WSJ’s Stern on the upcoming iPhone 13: ‘we’re looking at incremental upgrades only’

Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) is set to launch the much-awaited iPhone 13 and Apple Watch Series 7 in its all-digital annual event on Tuesday, says Joanna Stern, senior personal technology columnist at the Wall Street Journal.

Stern’s remarks on CNBC’s “Squawk Box”

Stern expects the iPhone 13 to come with “incremental upgrades” only. On CNBC’s “Squawk Box”, she said:

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“We’re in the incremental upgrade year. Last year, with the iPhone 12, we got a big design refresh, we got 5G, it was a big year for the iPhone. This year, we’re looking at incremental upgrades. Doesn’t mean it’ll be boring; it’s just going to be smaller upgrades.”

After years of focus on improving camera for still photos that has already established the iPhone as one of the best camera phones, the iPhone 13, Stern added, is now expected to open new doors of video recording for its users.

“We’re hearing a lot about portrait mode video recording. Sort of a cinematic way of recording video,” she said.

Apple Watch Series 7 to see more notable upgrades

On the contrary, Stern expects the Apple Watch Series 7 to see more pronounced upgrades this year, including a fresh design and a bigger screen.  

“The idea would be to get the rest of the hardware smaller. So, that means they could fit in a bigger screen without taking too much more space on the wrist,” she added.

According to Stern, Apple might introduce new or improved health features in the latest model of its flagship smartwatch as well.

Last week, Apple lost the court battle to Epic Games on a crucial front. Shares of the $2.48 trillion company opened about 1.0% up this morning.