1. Home
  2. Getting Started

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

How the new iPhone 13 can make your life as a pet parent easier

By

The new iPhone 13 is here, and Apple fans are flocking in droves to their wireless carrier to buy the latest and greatest smartphone model. An estimated 85% of Americans own a smartphone, and we happen to think they’re essential for pet parents — and not necessarily for the reasons you may suspect. Meanwhile, with tech magazines, websites, and enthusiasts buzzing about the new iPhone release, you may be wondering why it’s such a big deal. We’ll go over some of the best iPhone 13 features that we think make Apple’s latest offering the top option for pet parents everywhere. 

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Why pet parents need the new iPhone 13

From upgraded cameras to support for better pet-centric apps, here are the reasons we think you’ll love the new iPhone 13. 

Recommended Videos

Better cameras and 4K video

Whether you love capturing pictures of your fur baby sleeping, or you share videos of your pets zipping through the house at top speed, a good camera is a must-have for pet parents. But lugging around a heavy DSLR is a pain, and you always have your phone on hand. (Did you know most people check their phones over 260 times a day? Wild.) The new iPhone 13 serves up improved cameras capable of capturing adorable shots of your fur baby — even if he’s napping in a dark corner of your bedroom. Video lovers will enjoy the ability to film in 4K up to 60 frames per second. Also included in the camera upgrades: built-in filters, a new photographic setting, and improved stabilization. 

Built-in 5G connectivity

While the blazing-fast mmWave speeds can be found only in major U.S. cities, the iPhone 13 includes 5G connectivity, which provides you with a better gaming experience, faster streaming, and improved video calls. If you love chatting on FaceTime or playing your favorite game while your pup romps around at the dog park, you’ll love the speed offered by the iPhone 13’s built-in sub-6 GHz 5G. No 5G in your area? Not a problem. You’ll receive gigabit LTE speeds instead. Smart Data Mode instantly converts your connection to LTE when you don’t need 5G speed, which helps conserve your phone’s battery. 

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Improved battery life

Speaking of your phone’s battery life, the iPhone 12 uses a 2,815 mAh battery, but the new iPhone 13 uses a larger 3,240 mAh battery. Larger battery, longer battery life, and the iPhone 13 still weighs only under an ounce more than the iPhone 12. The A15 chip utilized by the iPhone 13 extends your phone’s battery life up to 2.5 hours longer than the iPhone 12’s. If you opt for an iPhone 13 mini, you’ll still get 1.5 hours of extra battery life over the iPhone 12 mini’s. Now, you can ditch your heavy battery pack phone case and maybe even leave your charger at home while you’re out walking your pup. Best of all, fans of MagSafe Chargers needn’t worry. The new iPhone 13 lineup comes with built-in magnets, so you can use them with your favorite MagSafe accessories. 

It comes in a mini size, too

Juggling your dog’s leash, a collapsible water bowl, a water bottle, your wallet, your keys, and your phone can be a hassle. If massive screens aren’t for you, the affordable, compact iPhone 13 mini may be right up your alley. While the iPhone 13 has a 6.1-inch screen, the iPhone 13 mini’s screen is only 5.4 inches, small enough to stash in the pocket of your hoodie without it tumbling out. But you won’t have to skimp on screen quality just because you’ve downsized. The iPhone 13 mini offers a 2340-by-1080-resolution screen that boasts 476 pixels per inch and 1,200 nits max brightness for your HDR content needs.

Better app selection

If you need to go out of town for a few days and don’t want to board your dog, hiring a dog walker is the best way to make sure your pup gets adequate exercise every day. Wag! works only with licensed, bonded, and insured dog walkers and sitters, so you can trust that your pup is in good hands. There’s just one tiny problem — the app is available only in Apple’s App Store. In fact, many of our favorite apps for pet parents are iOS only, yet another benefit of owning the new iPhone 13.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

From a better camera to access to better apps, the new iPhone 13 is a dream come true for pet parents. While the decision of whether you want to splash out on the newest smartphone is ultimately yours, we’re firmly in the corner of #TeamNewiPhone13 for all the reasons listed above — but mostly the camera.  

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
Is your dog barking nonstop? Here’s how to get your noisy pup under control
How to step in and help your noisy dog stay quiet when barking nonstop

If you’ve ever tossed and turned because your neighbor’s pooch barked all night, then you know how incredibly frustrating a noisy dog can be. Don’t let your pup be "that" dog in your community. While it's perfectly natural for Fido to bark occasionally, excessive barking at unreasonable hours or for long periods is unneighborly.

Experts at the American Kennel Club (AKC) say that preventing nuisance barking should be a top priority for responsible pet parents. If you live with a loud four-legger that barks nonstop, take steps now to resolve the problem before your neighbor complains (or you lose your mind).

Read more
4 fun Father’s Day activities for dog dads so your pup can join the fun
Father's Day activities that the family dog can enjoy, too

Dog dads, it’s your time to shine! With Father’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect moment to plan your special day — with your four-legged friend. Since the weather is heating up, Father’s Day activities are a great excuse to get outside (which your dog will love, too), though quality time with your kids — whether human or canine — can be found just about anywhere.
These Father’s Day activities with dogs are just the right amount of adventure: You’ll get some sunshine and fresh air, but you won’t need to jump through hoops to do it. Whether you’re planning for yourself or the special dad in your life, you won’t go wrong with any of these fun ideas with dogs. Happy Father’s Day!

Host a barbecue with your pooch for a more social weekend
Nothing says summertime quite like a backyard barbecue. Gather your loved ones, whether they have two legs or four, and stock up your menu with Dad’s favorite foods. Meats, sides, veggies, maybe something to drink — just make sure not to season any meat you plan on sharing with your pup!
In an enclosed, outdoor space like the backyard, you won’t have to worry about keeping an eye on your dog at all times. Plus, Dad can have a drink if he wants! If you prefer a park setting or don’t have a grill at home, just bring a long leash so your pup can chill without getting into trouble or taking off.
Fido will love all the attention he’s getting from happy partygoers, and Dad will love having his favorite company in one place. Who doesn’t love catching up with family? But the star of the show, of course, will be the delicious meal you prepare!

Read more
Study: This is how much the cost of pet ownership really is
Is this what you spend on your dog or cat?

Do you know how much it costs to own a dog or cat in a year? If you guessed a few hundred dollars, you're a little behind the times. The cost of pet ownership has continued to go up in part because of an ongoing pet food shortage that could be impacting your fur baby without you realizing it.

A recent MetLife survey got in touch with pet parents and gives us the details of how much our animals really drain from our bank accounts and also how you might be able to reduce some of this spend; not to mention stress.
How much does a dog cost?
We're gonna start with America's favorite pet, Fido. One of the surprising costs for pup ownership is the upfront fee, especially if you're getting them from a breeder, where you can expect to spend $1,000 or more. However, even adopting a pet will seriously set you back. The Animal Humane Society quotes an average of $767 to bring your new pooch home.
How much does a cat cost?
There are some very expensive, top-of-the-line cats out there and you certainly could decide to shell out $100,000 for an Ashera. However, a shelter kitty will only come in the $200 range and even a breeder will charge about a thousand for a standard feline.

Read more