An apparent iPhone 13 dummy leak suggests Apple plans to rearrange the rear-facing camera layout on some devices this year.
It appears handsets with just two camera sensors — like the regular iPhone 13 and a possible iPhone 13 mini — could have their modules placed in a diagonal orientation as opposed to one above the other.
Apple typically makes somewhat significant improvements to iPhone camera performance with every annual refresh. Recent reports have indicated we’ll see the same from the iPhone 13 lineup this fall.
While Pro models could get even better Ultra Wide sensors with autofocus capabilities for the first time, the more affordable iPhone 13 and 13 mini are also expected to see camera sensor improvements.
They could also get new rear-facing camera layouts, if recent leaks are accurate. But why?
iPhone 13 leak hints at new camera layout
iPhone 12, which also features two rear-facing camera sensors — one Wide and one Ultra Wide — has its lenses placed vertically. Earlier models, such as the iPhone 8 Plus, have their lenses placed horizontally.
But with iPhone 13, Apple could position its two rear-facing cameras in a diagonal orientation for the first time, according to yet more leaked dummy units, this time shared on Chinese micro-blogging site Weibo.
Photo: Geek Village Chief
This isn’t the first time supposed leaks have hinted at this change for iPhone 13’s cameras. Earlier dummy units, obtained by longtime leaker Sonny Dickson, also showed the same design tweak.
In early June, we also saw iPhone 13 CAD drawings, posted by Jon Prosser, that showed a similar camera layout.
Just for looks?
It’s unclear why Apple might arrange iPhone’s rear-facing camera modules in this way all of a sudden. It’s unlikely that doing so would make any real difference to camera performance.
It could be that this design simply allows a better fit for the hundreds of miniature components we see packed into iPhone these days. But it may also be for nothing more than looks — a way to make iPhone more iconic.
A diagonal dual camera layout would make some iPhone models more recognizable from the back, with third-party devices typically opting for the vertical or horizontal fits we’re all used to seeing.
