Apple plans to ditch the notch on 2023 iPhone models (report)

News
By Darragh Murphy
published

Will we finally see a full-screen iPhone display?

iPhone 12 mini
(Image credit: Future)

Initial rumours of Apple getting rid of the notch on the iPhone 13 have been quietly put to rest after a design leak showed off a narrow and smaller notch for the tech giant's upcoming smartphone. However, it seems a full-screen iPhone display isn't out of the question.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the tech giant is getting rid of the iPhone notch by including an under-display Face ID system on future iPhone models.

Spotted in an investor's note by MacRumors, Apple is planning to introduce under-display tech along with a new periscope telephoto lens on 2023 iPhone models. That's still a while away — think iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 (or something more far-fetched).

The iPhone's signature notch is used to accommodate a number of features including its microphone, speaker, front-facing camera, and TrueDepth camera system that enables Face ID. With the rumored under-display tech Apple may use, this indicates the notch will no longer be needed.

According to the report, Kuo makes no mention if future iPhone models will use both an under-display Touch ID and Face ID system. However, previous leaks suggest iPhone 13 models will use under-display fingerprint sensors.

If the leaks are to be believed, along with Kuo's note, Apple will finally switch to using under-display tech that will free up screen real estate on future iPhone models. Android phones have been using under-display fingerprint tech for a few years now, and many want Apple to catch up.

Kuo also suggested the notch-less, full-screen display will only come to high-end 2023 iPhone models. Seeing as Apple is still working on developing its rumoured iPhone 13, we'll take these suggestions and claims with a pinch of salt.

Speaking of, a recent leak has shown Apple is redesigning the iPhone 13's rear and front-facing cameras. Until its official release rumoured to be later this year, we'll just have to wait and see. 

Darragh Murphy
Darragh Murphy
Editor

Darragh Murphy is fascinated by all things bizarre, which usually leads to assorted coverage varying from washing machines designed for AirPods to the mischievous world of cyberattacks. Whether it's connecting Scar from The Lion King to two-factor authentication or turning his love for gadgets into a fabricated rap battle from 8 Mile, he believes there’s always a quirky spin to be made. With a Master’s degree in Magazine Journalism from The University of Sheffield, along with short stints at Kerrang! and Exposed Magazine, Darragh started his career writing about the tech industry at Time Out Dubai and ShortList Dubai, covering everything from the latest iPhone models and Huawei laptops to massive Esports events in the Middle East. Now, he can be found proudly diving into gaming, gadgets, and letting readers know the joys of docking stations for Laptop Mag.