Apple’s 2021 iPhones may finally have a smaller notch and, for some models, screens with a faster refresh rate, according to a new note from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. He also shared rumors about other future iPhones, including when we were able to see an Apple foldable phone.
Let’s start with the launch of the iPhone this year, which we will call it the iPhone 13. Kuo says the iPhone 13 line will consist of the same models as the iPhone 12, which means that despite reports of poor sales of the iPhone 12 mini , the smaller phone can still be upgraded this year (via MacRumors) The two models of the iPhone 13 Pro will also have screens with a refresh rate of 120 Hz thanks to LTPO display technology, according to Kuo, finally equating the iPhone with the high refresh rate screens of many Android flagships.
All iPhone 13 models will have a smaller notch, says Kuo, although if you want Apple to end the notch entirely, you may have something to look forward to in 2022. Kuo reports that at least some of the 2022 iPhone models will change for a perforated screen, which can be similar to many Android phones, like Samsung’s Galaxy S21 line and Google’s Pixel phones (via MacRumors)
However, in addition to a selfie camera, the iPhone notch currently contains components used for Apple’s biometric face ID authentication system, and Kuo did not elaborate on whether or how this allegedly perforated screen for iPhones could yet. contain everything needed for Face EU IA. And if you’re dreaming of an iPhone with no visible notches or punctures, Kuo says Apple may launch a fully-screen iPhone in the second half of 2023, at the very least, according to 9to5Mac.
Kuo also says that iPhone 13 devices will still have a Lightning port, will have Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X60 modem (which is an improvement over the X55 modem included in iPhone 12), and will have larger batteries than iPhone 12.
Also in progress is a new iPhone SE that will support 5G and an improved processor, according to Kuo (via MacRumors) This new SE is expected to have a format similar to the current $ 399 model with a 4.7 inch screen and could be launched in the first half of 2022, says Kuo.
Kuo previously reported that Apple has a larger iPhone SE in development that uses a Touch ID sensor integrated with the on / off button, which would be similar to the new iPad Air, but it looks like the iPhone SE with 5G capability may be something different. Kuo said in the new note that “there is no visibility in the current schedule” for Apple to bring the Touch ID of the power button (or, mainly, USB-C) to iPhones, according to AppleInsider, leaving the future of this supposedly bigger iPhone SE uncertain.
Apple is also working on a foldable iPhone with a 7.5 to eight inch screen that could launch in 2023, says Kuo. However, the project appears to be at a very early stage, according to MacRumors‘article on Kuo’s report.
A launch in 2023 would depend on Apple’s ability to resolve “key technology and mass production issues” this year. He says the product “has not yet been officially launched”, so it appears to be still in the research stage and earlier rumors indicated that Apple could still decide not to proceed with it.
Bloomberg also reported on Apple’s initial plans for a foldable iPhone, saying in January that the company “has not solidified plans to actually launch” the new device.