Rumored 2022-2023 iPhone Lineup
Although the 2022 iPhone 14 model launch is still some months away, there are some critical updates that Apple has been working on. We’ve heard rumors about them before the iPhone 13 models were released last year.
Apple will be changing the size of iPhones in 2022. The 5.4-inch iPhone mini was unpopular among customers. However, Apple plans to concentrate on bigger iPhone sizes in the future after seeing a lackluster iPhone mini sale. As a result, we expect to see a 6.1-6 inch iPhone 14 Pro, a 7.6.7-inch iPhone 14 Max, a 6.7 -inch iPhone 14 Pro Max, and a 6.6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max. This year, there will not be a 5.4-inch iPhone 14 Mini.
The notch on the iPhone’s front has been used for facial scanning since 2017. But that will change with the iPhone 14. Expect the 2022 iPhone 14 Pro models to remove the notch and adopt a new design. Rumors were rumored for some time, but Apple is expected to use a combination of a round hole-punch cutout on the camera and a pill-shaped cutout that houses key Face ID components. The Pro models will be the only ones to get this feature, while the iPhone 14 models will still have a standard notch.
Although we don’t expect significant design changes, the camera bumps on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro could be thicker. The Pro’s bump may grow in size. In addition, apples may introduce new colors, possibly a purple hue.
An iPhone 14 Pro model may have a titanium frame rather than a stainless steel one. Redesigned microphone grilles and speaker grilles could also be an option. Apple may also consider a new thermal system called a vapor chamber that will keep the iPhone’s temperature down to reduce the impact of faster chips or 5G connectivity.
The iPhone 14 is not the first iPhone to include improvements in camera quality. The Ultra Wide camera will get improvements, and Apple may introduce a “periscope zoom lens” that will allow for more excellent optical zoom. However, it is unclear when this will happen, 2022 or 2023. Pro iPhone models will get a 48-megapixel camera and 8K video recording capabilities. These features won’t be available for the iPhone 14 standard models.
Rumors suggest that the iPhone 14 models will continue to use an A15 chip introduced in the iPhone 13 series. However, the iPhone 14 Pro models get an updated A16 chip. This would be the first time the Pro iPhone models receive a faster chip. Apple may have done this to reduce costs or because of ongoing supply problems.
Apple will likely use Qualcomm’s SnapdragonX65 chip. This is the first 10-gigabit 5-G modem that offers faster connectivity speeds and connectivity enhancements. Apple will also introduce satellite-based emergency features. These features will allow users to send text messages in an emergency and report accidents without cellular coverage.
Pro Only: No Notch and a New Face ID Hardware Design
Apple plans to remove the notch housing the hardware required for Face ID from at least some iPhone 14 models, including the Pro models. It was controversially designed when it was first introduced in 2017. The iPhone 13 has not seen any changes to the size except for the notch.
Ming-Chi Kuo, an Apple analyst, stated in March 2021 that the 2022 iPhone models wouldn’t have a notch and would adopt the hole-punch design that has been so popular on many Android phones. So we now know more about what to expect.
Apple is developing a design incorporating a pill-shaped and circular cutout. The Face ID projector will be housed in the circular cutout, while the front camera and Face ID infrared cameras will be contained in the pill-shaped cutout.
Apple might also plan to place some of the Face ID hardware underneath the iPhone’s display. This will reduce the size of cutouts and allow for more screen space on the front. The two cutouts aren’t too different from the standard notch so expect a smaller display area.
The iPhone 14 Pro models will have a different front-facing camera setup. However, the iPhone 14 Max and standard iPhone 14 models will feature regular notches. They will be similar to the iPhone 13 models.
Promotion Display
Early iPhone 14 rumors suggested that all four iPhone 14 models in 2022 would have ProMotion displays up to 120Hz. But it doesn’t appear that this will happen.
Apple may limit ProMotion technology to iPhone 14 Pro models. This move is attributed to Ross Young, display analyst, to a shortage of necessary displays. Young stated that 120Hz refresh rates would continue to be an iPhone 14 Pro feature. In addition, always-on-display technology will also be available as an iPhone 14 Pro exclusive.
Korean website The Elec claims that at least one iPhone model will come next year with a standard LTPS OLED screen without 120Hz ProMotion technology. This supports Young’s statements. Although Jeff Pu, an analyst, claims that the feature will be available on all iPhone 14 model models, he is not known to be reliable.
Design for the Body
The iPhone 14 models will look similar to the iPhone 13 models, with the same flat-edged design. According to later rumors, Jon Prosser claimed Apple would introduce thicker chassis without a rear camera bump or round volume buttons. However, his information seems to be incorrect.
In March, renders of the iPhone 14 models were released. The renders indicate that the iPhone 14 standard models will not have any design changes and will feature the same look as iPhone 13. In addition, the standard notch will appear along with the same camera bump at the back and the same diagonal camera layout.
A photo that allegedly shows molds from Apple’s forthcoming iPhone 14 models was published in April. It gives us a better idea of the size of the upcoming devices. Although the molds were likely made for case production, they appear to be consistent with the rumors we have heard about the iPhone 14 thus far.
Apple offers two iPhone 14 minis, one 6.1-inch, and two 6.7-inch iPhones. However, rumors have it that the camera bumps are five percent larger and that cases made for iPhone 13 models will not fit the iPhone 14 models.
A set of cases to fit the iPhone 14 models gives a close look at the differences in the sizes and expected camera cuts. These cases match all rumors and show a 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch size, respectively. The Pro models will have larger camera cutouts due to the triple-lens setup.
Size options
Apple will no longer make a 5.4-inch iPhone in 2022. This is due to its discontinuation of the “mini” iPhone line after poor sales. As a result, apple will discontinue the iPhone 13 mini, and it is expected that Apple will continue to concentrate on larger iPhones.
We expect an iPhone 14 with a screen size of 6.1 inches, an iPhone 14 Pro with a screen size of 6.7 inches, and an iPhone 14 Max with a screen size of 6.7 inches. The mini model will be replaced by the larger iPhone 6.7 inch.
Colors
According to an unconfirmed rumor, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro may come in purple. Although unconfirmed, rumors suggest that the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro will be available in purple. This unique finish changes color depending on the lighting conditions.
Apple has previously used the same color on the Pro and standard iPhone models but in different shades. If the purple rumor is authentic, that could be what we see in 2022. According to rumors, the iPhone 14 and 14, Max will be available in black and white as well as blue, red, and purple, and Pro Max and Pro Max in gold (possibly starlight) and graphite.
Titanium
According to an investor report from JP Morgan Chase, Apple’s new iPhone 14 models will feature a high-end titanium alloy chassis design. Although titanium has been used in the Apple Watch, this will be the first time the material has been used in an iPhone.
Titanium is more robust than steel and aluminum and has excellent resistance to scratches. It’s also more resistant to corrosion.
Cooling
High-end iPhone models will likely adopt a thermal chamber system. Apple is currently “aggressively testing” this system. High-end iPhones require a VC thermal system due to their higher computing power and faster 5G connection speeds. Smartphones from companies such as Samsung, Razer, and LG already use vapor chamber cooling technology. This keeps the device cool when it is subject to heavy stress.
Although it is not clear if the vapor chamber thermal systems will be able to meet Apple’s strict requirements, Apple is improving it, and high-end models may adopt it in the future.
Lightning Port
Rumors have circulated that Apple plans to eliminate the Lightning port on the iPhone in favor of a portless design that uses MagSafe charging. However, it is not clear whether that technology will be included in the 2022 iPhone models.
Lightning ports will be available on at least some iPhones.
Dummy Models and Part Leaks
MacRumors has acquired some iPhone 14 dummy model models for case makers. First, look at the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro models.
Since it costs a lot to have a case for the new iPhone before launch, dummy devices are often very accurate. These fake iPhone 14 devices provide a clear view of what we can expect.
However, the iPhone 14 Pro Max will be the same size as the iPhone 13 Pro Max. However, the more significant camera bump will make it impossible to fit an iPhone 13 Pro Max case into an iPhone 14 Pro Max.
The iPhone 14 models will look very similar to the iPhone 13 models. However, there won’t be an iPhone 14 mini. Instead, Apple will make two iPhones with a 6.1-inch screen (iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro) and two iPhones with a 6.7-inch display (iPhone 14 Max Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max).
The Pro models will have a hole and pill-shaped cutouts to accommodate the camera and Face ID equipment. Although the hole and pill design are not significantly different from a regular notch, it will allow for more space and make front cameras less intrusive. The standard iPhone 14 will still have a notch.
Although we know that there are minor differences in the size of the devices, it is difficult to tell the difference when comparing a dummy unit with the iPhone 13 lineup in real life. The screen sizes of the iPhone 14 Pro models are slightly different, but they’re barely noticeable in daily use.
To accommodate the new 48-megapixel camera, the Pro models will have camera bumps that are a little thicker and wider. The standard iPhone 14 models won’t see any design changes.
Front glass panels allegedly made for the iPhone 14 models were leaked in April. The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max versions show the hole cutouts and pill-shaped designs that will replace the iPhone notch. Standard iPhone 14 and 14 Max displays still have notches.
The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max panels have thinner bezels and a higher aspect ratio. All of the panels follow the rumors we’ve heard.
Camera Technology
The Ultra Wide camera could be improved on all 2022 iPhones. The iPhone 14 Pro models will get significant upgrades to the wide-angle camera, as well as the telephoto lens. Ming-Chi Kuo, an Apple analyst, believes the 2022 Pro iPhone models would feature a 48-megapixel Wide camera. This would significantly improve the 12-megapixel camera and 8K video recording capabilities.
The 48-megapixel camera on the iPhone 14 Pro models can also take 12-megapixel photos, probably through pixel-binning. Pixel binning is a process that merges data from several smaller pixels on the camera’s image sensor to create one “superpixel” for better low-light sensitivities.
This feature allows the iPhone 14 Pro to take 48-megapixel photos under good lighting conditions. However, when the lighting is poor, it will use pixel binning to create a 12-megapixel photo with better quality.
Kuo believes that 8K video recording will enable iPhone-recorded video to be displayed on an 8K TV or display. This resolution will also allow the iPhone to create images and videos that are more suitable for mixed reality and augmented devices, such as the AR/VR headset Apple is currently developing. The Pro models will have 8K video recording and a 48-megapixel Wide lens, while the standard iPhone 14 models will get a smaller camera setup.
The front camera technology will be upgraded with an f/1.9 aperture and autofocus capabilities. All new iPhone 14 models are expected to have this front lens. The lens’ wider aperture will allow more light through to the sensor, resulting in sharper photos and a better depth of field. In addition, the autofocus enhancement would allow for better focus adjustments during video conferences.
A16 Chip
Apple may change its standard operating procedures this year. However, new iPhones typically include an A-series chip. Ming-Chi Kuo, an Apple analyst, says that only the iPhone 14 Pro models will receive a faster and newer A16 chip.
Kuo claims that standard iPhone 14 models will use the same A15 Bionic as the iPhone 13 models. This would mark a significant difference between Pro and non-Pro iPhones. Again, the source supports Kuo’s claim.
Kuo claims that the A16 chip will only be a minor improvement to the A15 chip. In addition, the chip will likely be made using the same N5P process as the A15 chip. This limits the potential for improvements.
The next-generation N3P and N4P fabrication methods will not be available for mass production before 2023. TSMC, Apple’s chip supplier, has created a new N4 process. However, Kuo claims that it has no significant advantages over N5P. Therefore, apple will continue to use N5P for the Apple 16 processor. Kuo says that the upgrade to A16 is more marketing than a significant improvement.
Although the iPhone 14 will likely use the same A15 Bionic chips as the iPhone 13, leaker Shrimp-Apple Pro suggests that the new devices could experience an “overall performance increase” due to an upgraded cellular modem and a new internal design. This could lead to faster performance.
RAM
Ming-Chi Kuo, other sources, and others claim that both iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models will have 6GB RAM. This is the same RAM as the iPhone 13 Pro models. TrendForce, a Taiwanese research company, has also confirmed this.
Car Crash Detection
Apple is developing a car accident detection feature available on the iPhone and Apple Watch in 2022. It will utilize sensors such as the accelerometer to detect car crashes when they happen by measuring a spike of gravitational force.
The iPhone and Apple Watch will automatically dial emergency services when a car accident is detected. This feature is planned to launch in 2022. It could be available for the Apple Watch Series 8 and iPhone 14 models, but it’s unlikely to be limited. It will expand the Fall Detection function already in iPhone and Apple Watch models.
Snapdragon X65 Modem
The iPhone 14 models will use the Qualcomm Snapdragon X65 modem. It is the first 10 Gigabit 5G modem for smartphones and an antenna system.
RF Chip
The Economic Daily News in Taiwan has reported that Apple ordered 5G radio frequency chips from TSMC. Apple will use its technology to replace chips from Samsung.
According to TSMC, the chips were manufactured using the 6-nanometer process. This allows for smaller packages and lower power consumption. In addition, this could lead to longer battery life with 5G technology and support for WiFi 6E.
Satellite Connectivity
The Qualcomm SnapdragonX65 allows for some satellite connectivity features. Apple also plans to implement satellite-based emergency features. This will allow users to send text messages in an emergency and to report significant emergencies to cellular coverage.
Users can send emergency messages via satellite to contact emergency services or contacts when there is no WiFi or cellular signal. This new communication protocol will replace SMS and iMessage and include gray message bubbles. In addition, the message length will be limited.
A second feature will allow users to report significant emergencies such as plane crashes or fires via satellite networks. These features are still being developed and will be available in 2022.
WiFi 6E
According to Ming-Chi Kuo, an Apple analyst, the iPhone 14 will feature WiFi6E connectivity. Kuo claims that WiFi 6E will provide high-speed wireless transmissions for AR and VR experiences. It is also expected to be used in the mixed reality headset, which could be released in 2022.
WiFi 6E uses the 6GHz band and the 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands to increase bandwidth and reduce interference. It also offers the performance boost and low latency offered by the WiFi 6 specification.
2TB Storage?
Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro models added a 1TB storage tier. However, rumors suggest that Apple may increase that to 2TB with the iPhone 14 upgrade. Although this rumor is not always true, it should be considered until supported by another reliable source.
No physical SIM slot
Apple may discontinue the physical SIM slots on its iPhone 14 models and instead transition to an electronic SIM-only design. Apple is reportedly advising U.S. carriers on how to launch eSIM-only smartphones before 2022. This suggests that some iPhone 14 models will be the first without a SIM card slot.
Apple’s iPhone 13 included models that did not include a nano SIM. Cellular plans can instead be activated with an eSIM. An eSIM permits cellular plans to be added directly to the device without a micro-SIM.
eSIM functionality may not be available in all countries. Therefore, iPhones sold in certain areas will continue to have a nano-SIM slot. It may not be available in all countries, but it can be optional. Consumers still have the option to purchase a SIM-free iPhone. More than 60 countries support eSIM. A list is available on Apple’s Website.
iPhone 14 Pricing
The iPhone 14 will be priced at $799. This is the starting price of the iPhone 13. Apple has no plans to raise the price of its entry-level smartphone to drive sales and increase demand.
iPhone 14 Release Date
The iPhone 14 models may be unveiled at an iPhone-centric event Apple plans to hold on September 7.
Rumors suggest that Apple is currently evaluating iPhone 14 OLED displays in preparation for mass production. Rumors suggest that Apple is evaluating iPhone 14 OLED displays to prepare for mass production. Mass production will start between July and august. Component shipments for other parts started in June. Foxconn is increasing hiring to prepare for iPhone 14 production. They offer bonuses to employees who stay with the company for at least four months. Apple expects high demand for its iPhone 14 models and has ordered 90,000,00 units.
However, quality control problems are alleged with the lenses for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo doesn’t expect this issue to affect the iPhone 14 launch. Apple is reducing the impact by shifting iPhone 14 camera orders from one supplier to another.
Future iPhone Rumors
Apple’s first all-screen smartphone could launch in 2024 with Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro. According to a Ming-Chi Kuo Apple analyst, the device could be the first to have an under-display face ID and an under-screen front camera. However, Ross Young, a display analyst, expects an under-screen camera to debut with the iPhone 18 Pro.
According to Ross Young, display analyst, 2023, iPhones will feature a dual-hole cutout like this year’s iPhone 14 Pro models. The 2023 models will feature the same design: circular cutouts and a pill-shaped cutout. This feature is not limited to the Pro models. Although the pill and hole design may shrink slightly, Apple will still be ready to offer full under-display Face ID in a few years.
USB-C
According to Bloomberg, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will choose a USB-C port instead of a Lightning connector in 2023. This would make USB-C the default charging method for all iPhone 15 models.
Multiple sources claim that Apple will continue to use Lightning. However, the European Union has passed legislation requiring Apple to adopt USB C on all its European devices. If this legislation is passed, Apple would have to ship specific USB-C models to Europe or make changes across all its devices.
In-House Modem Chips
Apple is currently working to create its modem chips. This will enable the company to reduce its dependence on modem chip suppliers. In addition, apple purchased most of Intel’s smartphone modem businesses in 2019. This has accelerated development.
Ming-Chi Kuo, an Apple analyst, recently stated that Apple could switch to its 5G modems in 2023. After that, apple can design its modems and eliminate the need for Qualcomm. Although 2023 is the “earliest,” multiple rumors suggest that TSMC, Apple’s chip supplier, will be ready in 2023 to produce Apple modem chips.
Periscope Lens
A periscope Telephoto Lens could be introduced in 2023 iPhone models if it is not ready for release.
Face ID for Under-Display
Multiple rumors suggest that Apple is looking at ways to remove the notch from the display by placing the hardware for Face ID underneath it. Although it was initially believed that Apple might adopt under-display Face ID technology in 2022, Ross Young, a display analyst, says that components such as the infrared camera won’t be moved below the display until 2023 and 2024.
Foldable iPhone
Apple may also introduce a foldable iPhone soon. This is based on rumors and patents Apple has published and competition from Samsung and Microsoft, who have already developed foldable smartphones.
According to Bloomberg, Apple has begun “early works” on an iPhone with foldable displays but has yet to release a folding device. Although rumors suggest that a foldable device could be released as soon as 2024, it is more likely that 2025 will be the target date.
For more information on Apple’s folding device work, visit our foldable iPhone guide. We also have a dedicated iPhone 15 roundup.