We're still a week away from the launch of the iPhone 13, but rumors about the next-generation iPhone 14 models are already circulating and have picked up this week.
We've been hearing about a no-notch hole-punch display design since March, which was reiterated this morning by leaker Jon Prosser. Apple is expected to ditch the notch in favor of a hole-punch camera, and to facilitate that design, display analyst Ross Young says that Apple is also working on an under-display Face ID feature.
Young first shared his predictions for under-display Face ID in June, but highlighted them again today following the earlier iPhone 14 leaks. According to Young, Apple is working on under-display Face ID for the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models.
Regarding iPhone 14 leaks, great to see. We showed under panel Face ID in the 2022 Pro models in June...Also showed the 2023 lineup as well. pic.twitter.com/dGcm5n0bEO — Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) September 8, 2021
Given that the iPhone 14 models are still under development, under display Face ID has not been finalized and could still be scrapped, and in that situation, Apple would likely be forced to revert to a notch-style design. If we don't see under-display Face ID in 2022, it could instead come in 2023.
I would say under panel Face ID isn't final yet. Still being worked on. It is easier than under panel cameras though. — Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) September 8, 2021
Young has also been unclear on whether Apple will implement under-display Touch ID or under-display Face ID and while both could be possibilities and have been rumored, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said in late August that Apple is more invested in Face ID and wants to implement under-display Face ID capabilities rather than returning to Touch ID.
Young believes that the notchless design will be limited to the Pro models, which is also something that we've heard from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The other iPhone models may continue to feature a notch design.
In addition to a notchless front design, Prosser claims the iPhone 14 models are going to feature a thicker rear chassis that eliminates the camera bump, making the camera flush with the iPhone's body for the first time in years, which is the first that we've heard of concerning a rear camera design.
Round buttons, a titanium frame, and redesigned speaker and microphone grilles are also possibilities.
Prior iPhone 14 rumors have suggested that Apple is doing away with the smallest 5.4-inch iPhone as the iPhone 12 mini has proven to be surprisingly unpopular with users. Instead, rumors suggest that we're going to get two 6.1-inch iPhones and two 6.7-inch iPhones, which would amount to an iPhone 14, an iPhone 14 Max, an iPhone 14 Pro, and an iPhone 14 Pro Max.
