2021 iPhone prototype reportedly leaks online

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A “leaked prototype” of what looks like a 2021 iPhone mini has leaked on Chinese social media website Weibo.
The rear cameras appear to be significantly larger, while simultaneously switching from a horizontal design to a diagonal layout.
There are also some notable changes to the rear glass design, which appears to be more frosted and textured than its predecessor.
This reportedly leaked iPhone mini prototype seems to confirm that Apple will be keeping the iPhone mini range for at least for one more generation.

Last month, we got our first look at several 2021 iPhone schematics that revealed the company’s plans to significantly increase the size of the range’s rear cameras, along with several other camera-related changes. It’s not uncommon for Apple to change up the iPhones rear camera design, with recent iterations frequently using the rear camera as a point of difference when compared to previous models. Today, we’re getting our first look at what looks like a 2021 iPhone mini prototype — thanks to Chinese social media website Weibo.

The first thing you will notice is that the cameras are significantly larger, while simultaneously switching from a horizontal design to a diagonal layout. The reason for this is now clear: the cameras are so big that they would be extremely cramped using the previous arrangement. It has also been rumored that Apple plans to introduce a new form of optical image stabilisation alongside Portrait Mode video with their upcoming 2021 iPhone range — giving these latest leaks even more credence.

If you look a little closer, you’ll also notice some significant changes to the rear glass finish. The back of the prototype is not only more frosted, it also appears to be significantly more textured than its predecessor. This is something that iPhone users have been asking for ever since the September 2020 release of the iPhone 12, with a significant amount of people calling the rear glass design a “fingerprint magnet.”

And finally, this reportedly leaked iPhone mini prototype seems to confirm that Apple will be keeping the iPhone mini range for at least for one more generation. Earlier in the year and in late 2020, analysts and news outlets suggested that the iPhone 12 mini sold well below Apple’s internal expectations.

Of course, it’s important to always take these “leaked prototypes” with a grain of salt — as nothing is confirmed until Tim Cook takes the stage in September.

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Published to Apple Scoop on 2nd May, 2021.

Flynn Lo Faro

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Flynn has been covering technology for over a decade, with a deep focus on all things Apple. As the Editor-in-Chief of Apple Scoop, Flynn ensures the team delivers the most accurate and up-to-date information on Apple news, rumors, and product releases. His passion for tech journalism and editorial expertise guide the site’s vision and maintain its high standards.

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