iPhone 13 Release Date, Specs & Price Details For 2025

Recommended Phones For 2025
Best Data Plans 2025

Is iPhone 13 Still Worth Buying In 2025?

pink iphone 13

Is the iPhone 13 Still a Good Buy in 2025?

The iPhone 13 still holds up well in 2025. I use one for my day-to-day phone and I’ve had it since it launched.

The battery is now down to 87% health, so I might need an update soon. But a refurbished model will not have this problem.

With its A15 Bionic chip, OLED display, solid battery life and excellent cameras, it delivers reliable performance for everyday use.

It also continues to get iOS updates, making it a great pick for anyone wanting solid features at a more affordable price than newer models.

How’s the Battery Life on the iPhone 13?

The iPhone 13 can comfortably last a full day for most users. The Pro models often deliver around 7 to 9 hours of screen time under moderate to heavy use. If you’re buying used, aim for a battery health above 85% for best results.

What Should I Look for When Buying a Used iPhone 13?

Check for any visible damage (cracks, dents, screen issues)

– Test buttons, speakers, camera and charging port
– Make sure it’s not iCloud-locked (Find My should be off)
– Ask for proof of purchase if possible
– Confirm it can run the latest iOS version
– Consider a third-party warranty or buyer protection.

If you buy it refurbished from a proper retailer, you’ll get a warranty and solid returns coverage as well. I’d always advise to buy refurbished, not used. There is a difference.

Will an iPhone 12 Case Fit the iPhone 13?

No, iPhone 12 cases won’t fit and iPhone 13. The iPhone 13 has slight changes in camera placement and body thickness that make older cases incompatible.

How Long Will the iPhone 13 Get iOS Updates?

Apple generally supports its phones for 5 to 7 years.

Since the iPhone 13 launched in 2021, expect software updates through at least 2026, possibly into 2028.

Does the iPhone 13 Support 5G?

Yes, every iPhone 13 model supports 5G. You won’t get support for the latest, high-speed variants because you need a more modern modem for that. But it’ll do basic 5G just fine.

Why Might You Skip the iPhone 13 in 2025?

You might want to skip it if you’re after newer features like 120Hz displays, USB-C charging, or Apple Intelligence (Apple’s AI platform), which isn’t available on the iPhone 13.

For that, you’ll want to look at newer models like the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16 series.

Another reason might be for updates. If you’re planning on using the phone for a few years, it might be worth updating to the iPhone 14 series or iPhone 15.

They’ll get updates for a good few years more than the iPhone 13.

Popular Refurbished Models:

iPhone 13 256GB

iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 13 Pro 1TB

iPhone 13 500GB

Latest iPhone 13 Guides & News…

Here’s all the latest iPhone 13 news. From iOS updates to practical buying advice on storage and which model is best for the money.

Best Phones To Buy 2025

The iPhone 17 Series is Coming Too; Here’s What You Need To Know…

Latest iPhone 17 News

📅 When Will the iPhone 17 Be Released?

Expected Launch: Mid-September 2025

Apple almost always launches new iPhones in the second week of September. Based on previous patterns:

  • Expected announcement: Between 8–10 September 2025
  • Pre-orders likely open: Friday, 12 September
  • General release date: Friday, 19 September

Apple tends to stick to this release rhythm, so unless something drastic happens, expect the iPhone 17 to follow the same timeline.

💵 How Much Will the iPhone 17 Cost?

Prices May Rise in 2025

While Apple has resisted price hikes for years, that could change. Reports suggest:

  • iPhone 17 Air: Likely starting at $899 / £899 (same as iPhone 16 Plus)
  • Higher-end models: May see increases due to design changes and new features

Tariffs on overseas production and the cost of new tech could play a role in pushing prices up this year.

📱 What Will the iPhone 17 Look Like?

A Slimmer, Cleaner Design Across the Board

Highlights include:

  • iPhone 17 Air: Rumoured to be just 5.5mm thick, thinner than any iPhone to date
  • New horizontal camera bar and repositioned Apple logo on Pro models
  • Matte finish and potential new colours like sky blue, pastel purple, and green
  • Aluminium frames may replace titanium on Pro models (except possibly the Pro Max)

Expect a sleeker, more minimal design, but potentially at the cost of premium materials.

📏 Will Screen Sizes Change?

Mostly Staying the Same — With One Exception

Display sizes are expected to remain identical to the iPhone 16 series:

  • iPhone 17: 6.1in
  • iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3in
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.9in
  • iPhone 17 Air: 6.6in (new model)

There’s talk of more scratch-resistant glass and anti-reflective coatings, though some of those upgrades may be delayed due to production issues.

⚙️ What About Specs and Performance?

A New Chip and More RAM Across the Lineup

Performance upgrades are expected across all models:

  • New A19 chip in all models
  • A19 Pro chip for the Pro and Pro Max
  • 12GB RAM standard across all iPhone 17 models
  • Wi-Fi 7 support and Apple’s in-house C1 modem
  • Pro models may also get a vapour chamber cooling system for better heat management

These upgrades are likely designed to support Apple Intelligence, Apple’s new AI features baked into iOS 26.

📸 Are the Cameras Getting an Upgrade?

Yes — Especially the Front Camera

Here’s what the camera rumours are saying:

  • All models: 24MP front camera (up from 12MP)
  • iPhone 17 Air: Single 48MP rear sensor
  • iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max: Horizontal triple-lens array
    • 48MP telephoto with 3.5x zoom
    • New dual-recording mode (front + back simultaneously) for creators

Expect the Pro models to lean further into content creation, while even the base models get meaningful camera boosts.

🆕 What Is the iPhone 17 Air?

A New Ultra-Thin Model Replacing the Plus

The iPhone 17 Air is a new addition to the lineup, likely replacing the iPhone 16 Plus. It will feature:

  • Ultra-thin design (5.5mm thick)
  • Single 48MP rear camera
  • 6.6in OLED with ProMotion and Dynamic Island
  • Likely no SIM tray (even outside the US)
  • USB-C port slightly off-centre to fit slimmer chassis

It could become the go-to choice for users who want a lightweight phone with premium display features — though possibly at the cost of battery endurance and camera flexibility.

🔋 How Will Battery Life Be?

iPhone 17 Air Might Struggle — But There’s a Catch

Despite its thin design, Apple claims the iPhone 17 Air will have battery life similar to the iPhone 16, thanks to:

  • Hardware efficiency improvements
  • Use of the new C1 modem
  • Possible inclusion of silicon-anode batteries from supplier TDK

However, some reports suggest that only 60–70% of users will get a full day’s use without charging. Apple may offer a dedicated battery case as a solution.

🎨 What Colours Will Be Available?

Expect New Pastels and a Sky Blue Finish

Apple is reportedly testing:

  • Pastel Purple (likely winner)
  • Pastel Green (less likely)
  • Sky Blue (Pro models only)

These may replace some of the more vibrant iPhone 16 colours like pink and ultramarine, aligning with Apple’s shift toward softer tones across its product lines.

🔌 Will the iPhone 17 Still Use USB-C?

The iPhone 17 will stick with USB-C, introduced with the iPhone 15, but:

  • The iPhone 17 Air’s port may be slightly off-centre to accommodate its thinner body
  • MagSafe accessory alignment may shift due to the repositioned Apple logo

Accessory makers are already preparing for the change, but no word yet on whether internal magnets will also be adjusted.

Buying Guide

Which iPhone 13 Model is Best For Me?

Apple’s iPhone 13 range consists of four distinct models, and they’re all slightly different. The Pro and Pro Max are the most expensive, while the Mini and standard iPhone 13 are the “everyman’s phone” designed for the mass market.

VIEW LATEST DEALS

The Model We Recommend

Richard Goodwin

The iPhone 13 series is still a great option in 2024, if you’re looking for massive value for money. The phones are still incredibly powerful and the camera tech is brilliant as well – especially on the Pro and Pro Max variants.

— Richard Goodwin, Technology Editor

The iPhone 13 Range Explained…

The iPhone 13 is the cheapest and is designed to be the “catch-all” model, the one most people should get – it’s great and is now very cheap

The iPhone 13 Mini is designed to be a more compact version of the iPhone 13. It’s decent but its battery life isn’t great, so we’d avoid this model.

The iPhone 13 Pro has a 6.1in display (the same as the iPhone 13) but packs in a much more advanced camera for pro-level photos and video

The Pro Max is a bigger version of the Pro with a 6.8in screen and a larger battery. It is also the most expensive model, as you’d expect

Frequently Asked

The Most Common iPhone 13 Questions, Answered!

Because the iPhone 13 is still a popular choice with savvy users that want plenty of bang for their buck, we still get loads of questions about this series. Here’s some of the most common ones, answered!

Is The iPhone 13 Still Worth Buying?

If you want to get an iPhone with very good performance, plenty of years of support to come, and a very decent camera, then, yes, the iPhone 13 is still well worth buying in 2024. I bought mine in 2024 and I’m still using it today – it works fine, so I just haven’t upgraded. And I’m a tech journalist!

Is The iPhone 13 Discontinued?

Apple officially discontinued the iPhone 13 series following the launch of the iPhone 14 series in 2022. You can still buy all of Apple’s iPhone 13 models, however, via refurbished retailers.

How Long Will The iPhone 13 Get Updates For?

iPhone 13 series models will get iOS updates until at least 2027, perhaps even longer.

Is The iPhone 13 Pro Max Worth It?

The iPhone 13 Pro Max features a slew of features that you simply do not get on the base models. You have a LiDAR sensor, a vastly improved camera system, more processing power, and on the Pro Max a larger battery and the option for more storage. For content creators and AV geeks, the Pro Max is well worth the extra cost.