Despite the fears of a global recession, analysts believe Apple will go ahead with some big upgrades in the iPhone lineup this year. Though the series is expected to look like the one last year, it could feature a new camera system, a hole-punch screen as well as a brand new ‘Max’ model. Apple’s most important product continues to be the iPhone, accounting for half of 2021’s overall sales. Here’s a curation of five possible new features in the iPhone series, subject to the usual disclaimers surrounding any news from Cupertino.
The iPhone 14 Max will replace the ‘mini’ model
To start with, it’s being said that the “mini” variant in the iPhone lineup will get replaced by a new “Max” model. Apple’s decision is likely due to a lack of takers for the compact smartphone. According to US iPhone sales data for the March quarter that was shared by Consumer Research Intelligence Partners (CRIP), the iPhone 13 mini had just 3 per cent of sales of all the iPhone 13 models. Considering that the 2020’s iPhone 12 mini was also an unpopular model, the move seems to make commercial sense.And if the iPhone 14 Max does indeed replace the iPhone 13 mini, it is going to be the same size as the 6.7-inch iPhone 13 Pro. This brings in good news for those who always wanted a large-screen sized iPhone but could not afford the “Pro” model due to financial constraints. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman predicts Apple will sell the iPhone 14 Max at $899, $200 less than the iPhone 14 Pro. It will be however be $200 more than the iPhone mini and much more profitable for Apple even if it sells a bit more than the model it is replacing.
Superior front-facing camera across the iPhone 14 lineup
The iPhone 13’s front-facing camera is good but not great. Given that more users now want a high-quality front-facing camera for video calling and live streaming, even post the lockdowns, an improved selfie camera on the iPhone 14 would be a logical move. Apple is reportedly in talks with LG Innotek for a more expensive high-end front-facing camera with auto-focus for the iPhone 14 lineup. Typically, Apple sources front-facing cameras used in iPhones from Chinese component suppliers.But this time, Apple wants to source front-facing cameras for the iPhone from South Korean component makers. In fact, the new front-facing camera that is said to be used in the iPhone 14 will cost three times more than the cameras used in previous models. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kou has also heard from his sources that the entire iPhone 14 series will get an upgraded front-facing camera with auto-focus and a wider f/1.9 aperture. That should mean a wider aperture would allow more light to pass through the lens, thus resulting in improved image quality alongside a better depth-of-field effect for portrait mode photos and videos.
Is the always-on display coming to the iPhone 14 series?
It’s happening, finally. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple may add an always-on display to the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
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