Apple could remove the iPhone notch in its 2020 smartphones, according to a new report.
According to concept designer Ben Geskin, Apple has reportedly prototyped an iPhone for 2020 that would remove the controversial notch, introduced in 2017 with the iPhone X.
Rather than integrating a camera into the display as some manufacturers have tried, Apple is reportedly trying to squeeze the TrueDepth camera system used for Face ID, as well as a selfie camera, into the top bezel of the iPhone, which would remove the need for a notch entirely.
Exclusive: One of the 2020 iPhone prototypes has 6.7-inch display with Face ID and TrueDepth camera system housed in the top bezel. pic.twitter.com/sAJE7J12ty
— Ben Geskin (@BenGeskin) September 26, 2019
Though Apple has only just announced the iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max, the company is already hard at work on the development of its 2020 iPhones, which is expected to be a “showstopper” year for the company, with a number of new features and design changes.
Indeed, as well as including a 5G modem in next year’s iPhones to take advantage of new cellular connectivity options around the world, the iPhone is widely expected to introduce an all-new design that is inspired by the aluminum finish of the iPhone 4.
Next year’s iPhones could also be complemented by the launch of Apple Glasses, a new peripheral that would allow users to access the core functionality of their iPhone, such as messages and navigation, without having to look down at a screen when out and about.
Whilst Ben Geskin’s mockup of the proposed 2020 iPhone should be taken with a pinch of salt, it’s important to note that respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has already confirmed that Apple plans to shrink the front camera of the iPhone to add more screen space, whilst a Credit Suisse analyst added that Apple was attempting to remove the notch entirely by 2021.
A new 6.7-inch form factor has also been rumored, with Kuo suggesting that a new sized phone would encourage more consumers to upgrade, alongside a smaller 5.4-inch model.
Do these rumors get you excited about the iPhone 12? Are you holding off purchasing an iPhone 11 in hopes next year’s smartphone range will be more of an upgrade? Let us know your thoughts over on Twitter @AppleMagazine and check back soon for more rumors.
