Some iPhones in 2022, tentatively presumed to be "iPhone 14" models, will abandon the notch and switch to a "punch-hole display design" instead, similar to Samsung's recent high-end Galaxy smartphones, according to reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
In a recent research note, obtained by MacRumors, Kuo said the hole-punch display design will be adopted by high-end 2022 iPhones at a minimum, and if production yields are good enough, all 2022 iPhone models may use this design.
Kuo did not provide any further details as to how Apple would house the components needed for Face ID without the notch, should the facial recognition system continue to be used on the 2022 iPhones. Apple is rumored to be planning under-display Touch ID on at least some future iPhones, indicating that the company is interested in using more under-display technologies.
Chinese smartphone maker ZTE recently showed off an under-display 3D facial recognition system, so it is possible that Apple will explore a similar solution for Face ID. Apple has applied for a number of patents related to under-display technologies, but the company could also conceivably push some Face ID components and the front-facing speaker into the top bezel.
Given that the hole-punch front-facing camera design has been adopted for several years on Android devices, it is surprising to hear that Apple may be looking to mirror the technology as soon as 2022. For now, notch appears to be set to stay on the iPhone, although the upcoming iPhone 13 lineup has been repeatedly rumored to feature a smaller, less obtrusive notch.
