Apple could reduce the size of the notch on the “iPhone 13” by slightly shifting the headset into the frame, images of alleged front glass panels apparently portray.
The notch on the top of the iPhone is a characteristic element, but also one that many people have complained about in the past. Rumors since its launch say that a smaller notch will be used in future models, a statement that resurfaced on Tuesday.
Images provided by the iRepair repair service and provided to MacRumors shows a trio of what appear to be glass panels. It is claimed that the panels should be used on the “iPhone 13” and will have the same sizes of 5.4 inches, 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches as current models of the iPhone 12.
The key to the image is that the notch at the top is much smaller than in previous versions. To do this, the glass simply moves the headphone section from the notch to the top edge.
Although viable, the image is highly dubious for several reasons. To begin with, the image comes from a repair company, a company that would not necessarily receive components for an unprecedented smartphone more than six months before its launch.
Glass panels are more likely to be screen savers. Accessory producers produce prototypes of products before Apple launches to ensure that they have adequate inventory at the time of the iPhone’s launch.
These prototypes are also often based on rumors, rather than data from the supply chain or from Apple directly, due to the highly sensitive nature of Apple’s manufacturing processes.
Exactly the same rumor was made about the iPhone 12, with an image leak in April 2020 claiming that the notch on the TrueDepth sensor would shrink in size. Once again, the headset was moved upwards in the frame to make room.
Supply chain sources in January 2021 said there would be level changes for the “iPhone 13”, including moving the headset to the edge of the screen.