While we expect a camera upgrade across the board with the iPhone 13, the standard phone may lack a LiDAR scanner for the second generation in a row.

According to Dylandkt on Twitter, only the "Pro" model of the iPhone 13 (or possibly the iPhone 12S) will feature the LiDAR scanner found on the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. It was thought that all next-generation iPhone models would have this scanner, but "for one reason or another" this does not appear to be the case.

The LiDAR scanner in the rear camera array of Apple devices first appeared in the iPad Pro 2020. It was used to aid depth perception to provide a better augmented reality experience. Later, the LiDAR scanner was added to the Pro iPhone 12 device. This sensor not only increased the fidelity of the AR experience, but also assisted with autofocus and portrait photography in low light.

Not surprisingly, this was a new "Pro" feature at the time. However, as Apple products have matured, such features have tended to permeate standard iPhone models.

According to previous leaks and rumors, we expected the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13 to feature a LiDAR sensor.

Dylandkt gave no reason why this would not be the case, but simply stated that "it will not happen this year." Given that the coronavirus pandemic is not over, supply chain and manufacturing issues could be one reason, but that is speculation.

The lack of a LiDAR sensor may be a bit disappointing for Apple fans who were expecting a significant camera upgrade in the standard iPhone 13 model. However, the LiDAR scanner may not be a major upgrade in practical terms, as the current iPhone 12's depth perception is rather good, with solid portrait photos and good low-light performance. Some rumors also point to a larger sensor in the iPhone 13, and all models are expected to have sensor-shift image stabilization, so the iPhone 13 may have a significant camera upgrade.

We would also put a solid bet on Apple improving its computational photography to ensure that the standard iPhone 13 will offer a boost in camera performance over its predecessor. These include in a portrait video mode and a new astrophotography capability for shooting the night sky. However, rumors so far indicate that the Pro model will receive the biggest upgrade, with an improved ultra-wide camera and a six-element lens.

Aside from the camera, the iPhone 13 is expected to feature a more powerful A15 Bionic chip, a smaller display notch, and a faster 5G modem. However, the LTPO display with 120 Hz refresh rate is also reportedly limited to the iPhone 13 Pro model. A portless design is also said to be used in the iPhone 13, but analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes it will not happen in the new iPhone because the MagSafe ecosystem is not mature enough.

We expect to find out what upgrades the iPhone 13 will bring in September, the month Apple traditionally announces its next smartphone.

Time will tell on the above, but the iPhone 13 looks to be an interesting smartphone.