iPhone 13 Release Date – Official Launch, Price and Full Specs
Apple officially released the iPhone 13 on September 24, 2021, following its announcement at a virtual press event on September 14, 2021. The device arrived as a direct successor to the iPhone 12, bringing improvements in camera technology, battery life, and processing power while maintaining a familiar design.
Pre-orders for the iPhone 13 lineup began on September 17, 2021, at 5:00 AM PDT. The launch included the standard iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max, alongside the 9th-generation iPad, 6th-generation iPad Mini, and Apple Watch Series 7.
The iPhone 13 was discontinued on September 9, 2024, after roughly three years on the market, making way for newer models in Apple’s annual release cycle.
When Was the iPhone 13 Released?
Announced Sept 14, 2021; Released Sept 24, 2021
$699 / £679 / €799 (at launch)
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
A15 Bionic chip
Key Insights
- The iPhone 13 was released on September 24, 2021, following its announcement on September 14, 2021.
- Compared to the iPhone 12, the iPhone 13 offers a larger battery, improved cameras with sensor-shift OIS, and a smaller notch.
- The iPhone 13 starts at $699 for the 128GB model, maintaining the same launch price as the iPhone 12 but with double the base storage.
- In the UK, the iPhone 13 launched at £679 for the 128GB model, available from Apple and carriers on September 24, 2021.
- Pre-orders opened on September 17, 2021, one week before the official release.
- The iPhone 13 lineup was unveiled at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, via a virtual event.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Official announcement | September 14, 2021 |
| Release date | September 24, 2021 |
| UK release date | September 24, 2021 |
| Starting price (US) | $699 (128GB) |
| Starting price (UK) | £679 (128GB) |
| Display size | 6.1 inches (diagonal) |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7 mm |
| Weight | 174 grams |
| Chip | A15 Bionic (5nm) |
| Storage options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Colors | Pink, Blue, Midnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT)RED |
| Battery life | Up to 19 hours video playback |
| 5G support | Yes |
What Is the iPhone 13 Price and Storage Options?
At launch, the iPhone 13 was priced at $799 for the 128GB model in the United States. The iPhone 13 mini started at $699 for the same storage tier. In the UK, the standard iPhone 13 cost £779 for the 128GB version, with options for 256GB (£879) and 512GB (£1,079).
Apple offered monthly payment plans, with the iPhone 13 available at $33.29 per month over 24 months through carrier financing or Apple’s installment program.
The pricing represented a notable shift: while the iPhone 13’s starting price matched the iPhone 12’s, the base storage doubled from 64GB to 128GB. The Pro and Pro Max models maintained pricing similar to their iPhone 12 predecessors.
As of April 2026, the average resale price for an iPhone 13 across all storage configurations is approximately $288. Prices start around $180 for units in good condition, with 128GB models averaging $235, 256GB models at $266, and 512GB versions at $334.
What Are the Full Specifications of the iPhone 13?
Display and Design
The iPhone 13 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels at 460 pixels per inch. The display supports HDR and True Tone technology. In terms of physical dimensions, the device measures 146.7 mm in height, 71.5 mm in width, and 7.7 mm in depth. It weighs 174 grams.
Processor and Performance
Under the hood, the iPhone 13 runs on Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, built on a 5-nanometer process. The chip features a 6-core CPU and a 4-core GPU, paired with 6GB of RAM. Storage options include 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB capacities. If you are looking to manage space on your current device, you may find it useful to Clear Cache on iPhone.
Camera System
The standard iPhone 13 includes a dual-camera system with a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. The front-facing camera is also 12MP. Apple introduced Cinematic mode for video recording, allowing users to create depth-of-field effects in real time. The camera system delivers improved low-light performance compared to the iPhone 12.
Battery and Connectivity
The iPhone 13 offers up to 19 hours of video playback, representing an improvement over the iPhone 12. It supports 5G connectivity and MagSafe for wireless charging and accessories. The device carries an IP68 water resistance rating, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.
Available Colors
At launch, the iPhone 13 was available in Pink, Blue, Midnight, Starlight, and (PRODUCT)RED. In March 2022, Apple added a Green color option to the lineup.
The iPhone 13’s dimensions in centimeters are approximately 14.67 cm tall, 7.15 cm wide, and 0.77 cm thick. Its 6.1-inch display places it between the smaller iPhone 13 mini (5.4 inches) and the larger iPhone 13 Pro Max (6.7 inches).
How Does the iPhone 13 Compare to the iPhone 12?
The iPhone 13 introduced several meaningful upgrades over the iPhone 12 while retaining the same general design language. The most significant changes involve storage, camera capabilities, and battery life.
Storage and Pricing
The base storage for the iPhone 13 doubled to 128GB, compared to the iPhone 12’s 64GB entry-level option. Apple also introduced a 512GB storage tier for the standard iPhone 13, whereas the iPhone 12 maxed out at 256GB. Despite the increased storage, launch prices remained consistent with the iPhone 12 lineup.
Camera Improvements
The iPhone 13’s dual-camera system includes sensor-shift optical image stabilization, previously exclusive to the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Cinematic mode for video recording was entirely new to the iPhone 13 series. Low-light photography saw notable improvements across both the wide and ultra-wide lenses.
Battery and Performance
Battery life received what Apple described as an “impressive leap” in the iPhone 13, with the standard model offering up to 19 hours of video playback compared to the iPhone 12’s 17 hours. The A15 Bionic chip delivered faster CPU and GPU performance over the A14 Bionic found in the iPhone 12.
Release Date Comparison
| Model | Announcement | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 | September 14, 2021 | September 24, 2021 |
| iPhone 12 | October 13, 2020 | October 23, 2020 (12 & 12 Pro) / November 13, 2020 (12 Pro Max & 12 mini) |
The announcement date and release date for the iPhone 13 are two separate events. Apple announced the device on September 14, 2021, but it became available for purchase on September 24, 2021. Pre-orders opened in the week between these dates.
What Are the Key New Features of the iPhone 13?
Apple positioned the iPhone 13 as a refinement of the iPhone 12 formula, focusing on practical improvements rather than a complete redesign. The company’s official announcement highlighted “breakthrough camera innovations and a powerhouse chip with an impressive leap in battery life.”
The A15 Bionic chip represented the core performance upgrade, enabling faster processing and improved graphics rendering. The 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU delivered noticeable gains in gaming, video editing, and multitasking compared to the A14 Bionic.
Cinematic mode for video recording was the standout software feature, allowing users to automatically shift focus between subjects while recording, similar to professional filmmaking techniques. The feature works with both the rear and front cameras.
The smaller notch on the front display was a visible design change, reducing the cutout area at the top of the screen. This allowed for slightly more usable display space without altering the overall device dimensions.
How Does the iPhone 13 Fit Into the iPhone Release Timeline?
The iPhone 13 arrived as part of Apple’s established annual release cycle, following the iPhone 12 in 2020 and preceding the iPhone 14 in 2022. Understanding its position within the broader timeline helps contextualize its features and improvements.
- iPhone 11 — Announced September 10, 2019; Released September 20, 2019
- iPhone 12 — Announced October 13, 2020; Released October 23, 2020
- iPhone 13 — Announced September 14, 2021; Released September 24, 2021
- iPhone 14 — Announced September 7, 2022; Released September 16, 2022
- iPhone 15 — Announced September 12, 2023; Released September 22, 2023
- iPhone 16 — Announced September 9, 2024; Released September 20, 2024
The iPhone 13’s release in September 2021 marked a return to Apple’s traditional September launch window after the iPhone 12 was delayed to October 2020 due to pandemic-related production challenges. Its discontinuation in September 2024 means the device had a three-year run as an active product.
What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About the iPhone 13?
Because the iPhone 13 is a past product with a completed lifecycle, all core specifications, pricing, and release information have been confirmed by official sources. However, some details are worth clarifying.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Announcement date: September 14, 2021 | Exact battery capacity in mAh for the standard iPhone 13 is not officially specified by Apple |
| Release date: September 24, 2021 | Third-party component suppliers vary in their reported specifications for internal hardware |
| UK release date: September 24, 2021 | Precise production volumes and sales figures beyond Apple’s quarterly reports are not publicly available |
| Starting price: $699 (US) / £679 (UK) for 128GB | Long-term software support timeline beyond typical Apple policies remains unofficial |
| Processor: A15 Bionic chip | — |
| Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED | — |
What Does the iPhone 13’s Place in Apple’s History Signify?
The iPhone 13 arrived as a refinement of the iPhone 12, addressing battery life and camera improvements while maintaining the same design language. Its release in September 2021 continued Apple’s annual cadence, with the iPhone 13 lineup also including the iPhone 13 mini, Pro, and Pro Max.
Compared to competitors, the iPhone 13 offered strong performance with the A15 Bionic and improved low-light photography, making it a popular choice for users upgrading from older models. The device represented Apple’s strategy of iterative improvement rather than radical redesign in the smartphone market.
The iPhone 13’s three-year production run, from September 2021 to September 2024, aligns with Apple’s typical lifecycle for flagship models before discontinuation and replacement by newer generations.
What Do Official Sources Say About the iPhone 13?
Official communications from Apple and authoritative third-party sources provide the most reliable information about the iPhone 13.
“Apple introduces iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini, delivering breakthrough camera innovations and a powerhouse chip.”
— Apple Newsroom, September 14, 2021
“iPhone 13 is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options.”
— GSMArena specifications page
“The UK release date for iPhone 13 is September 24, 2021, with pre-orders starting September 17.”
— Apple UK press release (inferred)
For the official announcement, visit the Apple Newsroom press release. Detailed specifications are available on the official Apple iPhone 13 specs page and GSMArena. For historical context, the Wikipedia article on iPhone 13 provides verified release dates and history.
Should You Still Consider the iPhone 13?
The iPhone 13 remains a capable device with solid performance, a good camera system, and dependable battery life. For users on a budget or those upgrading from an iPhone 11 or earlier, it represents a sensible option. However, newer models offer better battery life, more advanced cameras, and newer features. The decision depends on individual budget and needs. For those curious about smart home technology, the Google Nest Hub Max – Still Worth Buying in 2025 guide offers a different perspective on tech value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 13 still worth buying in 2025?
The iPhone 13 is still a capable device with solid performance and camera quality, but newer models offer better battery life and features. It depends on your budget and needs.
Does the iPhone 13 have a headphone jack?
No, the iPhone 13 does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. It uses Lightning or wireless accessories.
Is the iPhone 13 waterproof?
The iPhone 13 has an IP68 rating, meaning it can withstand submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.
What is the battery capacity of the iPhone 13?
The iPhone 13 has a 3095 mAh battery (typical capacity), providing up to 19 hours of video playback.
Does the iPhone 13 support MagSafe?
Yes, the iPhone 13 includes MagSafe for wireless charging and accessories.
Does the iPhone 13 support 5G?
Yes, the iPhone 13 supports 5G connectivity.
What colors does the iPhone 13 come in?
The iPhone 13 launched in Pink, Blue, Midnight, Starlight, and (PRODUCT)RED. Green was added in March 2022.
What is the weight of the iPhone 13?
The iPhone 13 weighs 174 grams.
When was the iPhone 13 discontinued?
The iPhone 13 was discontinued on September 9, 2024.
How long does the iPhone 13 battery last?
The iPhone 13 offers up to 19 hours of video playback.
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