The iconic notch on the iPhone has basically remained the same since Apple debuted it on the iPhone X in 2017, but this year things may change as new information suggests that the notch is decreasing for the iPhone 13.
Earlier this month, noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo released a research note (via Mac rumors), claiming that Apple is planning to reduce the size of the iPhone’s facial identification notch. But now MacRumors has gotten a photo of alleged iPhone 13 front glass panels from a Greek repair service showing what a small notch can really look like. (Note: for legal reasons, we cannot post the image here, so check the publish to see better.)
Kuo previously mentioned that part of Apple’s solution to reduce the notch is to reduce the size and number of components needed to support Face ID. However, the new photo also shows that by consolidating components and moving the IPhone headset speaker raised while merging it with the phone’s bezel, it looks like Apple has managed to cut the size of the notch almost in half.
While many probably want Apple to get rid of the iPhone’s notch entirely, if the supposed photo is accurate, the notch is still in line for a significant reduction in size. However, this is not the first time we hear that Apple can lower the notch, since similar rumors were reported prior to the iPhone 12 launch, and that notch ended up not receiving any changes.
On the bright side, other predictions mentioned in Kuo’s note include support for 120 Hz VRR screens with LTPO technology on more expensive iPhone 13 models, along with a new Qualcomm X60 modem for enhanced 5G performance and upgraded cameras, including expansion of the iPhone 12 Pro Max sensor change technology for the entire iPhone 13 line.
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In addition, despite suggesting that Apple may actually launch a “doorless” iPhone in 2021, it appears that Kuo has stepped back from that prediction, as each new iPhone 13 will have a traditional lighting door.
The only thing that looks like it will remain the same is the overall design of the iPhone, with several sources claiming that Apple will retain the more angular boxy design it presented last year on the iPhone 12, which in itself was a call back to iPhones previous like the iPhone 4