The "iPhone 14" lineup is expected to be incredibly similar to the iPhone 13 with minor changes like camera performance and a new larger "max" model. Here's what the rumor mill suggests the phones will look like.
There haven't been many rumors surrounding Apple's standard 2022 iPhones so far. There are more rumors about what won't be included in the "iPhone 14" than what will, with supply chain leaks focusing on the more robust "iPhone 14 Pro."
A handful of rumors and some leaked diagrams provide just enough detail to paint a picture of Apple's latest iPhone strategy. It seems the company may be looking to further widen the gap between the entry and pro models.
The leaked diagrams show nearly identical dimensions, a notched display, and a dual-camera system in the rear much like the iPhone 13. However, according to Mark Gurman, there will be a new size class that replaces the iPhone mini — the 6.7-inch "iPhone 14 Max."
This larger iPhone would have the same display size as the iPhone 13 Pro Max but have the same cameras, display technology, and feature set as the standard iPhone. That means users would no longer have to choose a pro iPhone just to get a bigger screen size.
Since the rumor mill is focused on the "iPhone 14 Pro," there is a good idea of what isn't coming to the "iPhone 14." Leakers have been clear that the new 48MP camera sensor, pill-and-hole-punch display, and A16 processor won't be included in the "iPhone 14."
The "iPhone 14 Max" is a brand new device, so users seeking something in that size and feature set will have an obvious reason to upgrade, but it isn't yet clear what will change for the 6.1-inch model. If it has the same Super Retina XDR display, A15 processor, and camera system, then Apple will likely have some new feature for it to earn the "iPhone 14" name.
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that Apple could increase the RAM in the standard models from 4GB to 6GB. This means the performance will be similar to the iPhone 13 Pro with its A15 processor.
Display supply chain analyst Ross Young has said that ProMotion will not be coming to the non-pro iPhones in 2022 due to supply chain limitations. The 2023 "iPhone 15" may be the first lineup to have ProMotion across all devices.
Other things staying the same include Face ID and the Lightning port. Rumors say under-display Face ID isn't ready and the pill-and-hole cutout is exclusive to the pro models, so the notch and sensor housing will remain identical.
Also, Apple isn't expected to make the jump to a port-less iPhone yet. MagSafe could see some upgrades to prepare users for the transition.
There aren't any leaks about other potential features yet, but Apple could bring features available in other products to the "iPhone 14." An obvious upgrade is the ultra-wide camera gaining autofocus so users can take macro photos. Currently, macro photography is exclusive to the pro iPhones, but only because the ultra-wide camera gained autofocus and not due to a performance limitation.
There is also a slim chance that Apple introduces Center Stage to the iPhone selfie camera with an ultra-wide lens. Apple has included the technology in the iPad, the Mac, and even the Studio Display. If Apple wants the feature to be ubiquitous, then it will likely bring it to its most popular product.
Apple is expected to announce the "iPhone 14" and "iPhone 14 Max" during a September Apple event. The "iPhone 14 Pro" and "iPhone 14 Pro Max" will also be announced, so check out the renders and rumor roundup for those devices as well.
