The iPhone will retain its huge notch until 2020, when versions with a much smaller notch—or no notch all—will finally arrive.
That’s according to reliable TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who told investors Wednesday that the front camera on the 2020 iPhone could use an “ultra-small front lens [that will] significantly improve the screen ratio.” This will result in a long-overdue exterior redesign of the product that will include a much smaller or no notch. The 2020 iPhones could also feature a rear camera with 7 lenses, he says.
Apple is planning a similarly big change for 2021, when the iPhone could drop support for Face ID entirely and move to an in-display fingerprint reader instead.
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In keeping with Apple’s slow forward progress, these are changes that its major competitors have already made. The OnePlus 7 Pro, for example, features a true no-bezel and no-notch “all-display” design and utilizes a reliable and accurate in-display fingerprint reader today.
But multiple reports have suggested that Apple’s display suppliers are already working on notchless displays for Apple, just in case. And that means the consumer electronics giant could surprise customers with a true “all-display” design as soon as this year.
proesterchen
<p>Can't wait for this 3- to 5-year detour to ugly town to end!</p>
BrianEricFord
<blockquote><em><a href="#441265">In reply to Winner:</a></em></blockquote><p><br></p><p>I disagree with the assertion that fingerprint censors are faster and I also think almost no one who isn’t posting comments about it on the internet cares in the slightest about the notch.</p>
skane2600
<blockquote><em><a href="#441336">In reply to BrianEricFord:</a></em></blockquote><p>While it's logical to conclude that the only people who care about the notch (in a negative sense) are those who have a problem with it, it's not necessarily the case that most of them complain on the Internet about it. Thus if it were somehow possible to count every internet complaint about the notch, it wouldn't be possible to figure out what percentage of customers had a problem with it.</p>
dontbe evil
<p>So next iphone will have a beautiful notch</p><p><br></p><p>And next next iphone will have a beautiful no notch design</p><p><br></p><p>According to apple and its fan boys</p>
nfeed2000t
<p>My Pixel 3 XL has the biggest notch, and I don't care. I read this entire article on my phone and my eyes track the middle of the phone to the bottom. </p><p>I do love the two great selfie cameras located (standard and wide angle) within the notch.</p><p>#TempestInATeaPot</p>
skane2600
<p>"iPhone Notch Won’t Get Smaller Until 2020"</p><p><br></p><p>You see there's this timer inside the phone and when Jan 1, 2020 rolls around …</p>
PeterC
<blockquote><em><a href="#441301">In reply to brettscoast:</a></em></blockquote><p>Yup, they’re getting real slow. It’s interesting however that some bits of iPhone development aren’t slow though. Apples A series chips are very impressive, yet they’re modem choices hasn’t played out well for a variety of reasons.</p><p><br></p><p>Maybe though what we’re really seeing here is that consumers pay attention to the design look of the device, and maybe consumers are judging innovation by a devices design? Rather than internal developments, maybe. Chinese brands are delivering manufacturing design innovation that users want and can respond far quicker than US brands appear able to do. </p><p><br></p><p>I think my point, if I have one, is that Chinese brands regardless of what you feel about them have all rapidly accelerated design innovation through manufacturing techniques a lot faster than US brands, who predominately outsource manufacturing, striving for ever increased profit margins and share price value etc. In my opinion share price and profit hunting by many western brands senior executive teams has led to some spectacular complacency in product offerings. The same issue isn’t affecting Chinese brands…….</p>