2022 might bring some significant swings in Apple’s phone strategy. The “regular” iPhone 14 series reportedly will include a more affordable 6.7-incher in place of the 5.4-inch mini model. And the two upcoming iPhone Pro models could get rid of the notch, replacing it with a smaller alternative.
Plus, there allegedly will be a big improvement to the rear-facing camera, as well as other changes. And an iPhone SE 3.
iPhone 14: Bigger and (somewhat) cheaper
The 5.4-inch iPhone mini line hasn’t sold well, and leaks point to Apple replacing it with a 6.7-inch model. So in 2022, we apparently will see two 6.7-inch models (iPhone 14 Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max), as well as two 6.1-inch models (iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro).
But don’t expect dramatic changes to the general look. In some ways, the upcoming iOS handset might appear much like the 2021 model, with the same flat edges and sharp corners.
That said, multiple sources point to the two Pro versions replacing the display notch with a hole-punch camera. The “standard” versions would keep the now-traditional screen cutout.
The iPhone 14 allegedly will make a huge jump in camera resolution, too. It’ll increase from 12MP to 48MP, if unconfirmed reports prove correct. That would enable 8K video recording.
However, Apple’s chipmaker TSMC reportedly ran into delays launching its 3nm process. So the A16 processor debuting in 2022 might be made with a 4nm process. That’ll still be an improvement over the 5nm process in the current version, though. And the iPhone Pro models could increase from 6GB to 8GB of RAM.
So far, speculation that the 2022 iPhone 14 will drop the Lightning port hasn’t been backed up by any reliable leaks.
Don’t forget the iPhone SE 3
A third-generation iPhone SE is expected before the iPhone 14, though. It supposedly will come out in early 2022. The biggest addition reportedly will be 5G cellular wireless networking.
But other details on the upcoming entry-level iPhone remain sketchy. It’ll either retain the 4.7-inch display and Home button of the current version, or come with a 6.1-inch edge-to-edge screen.
With five different iOS models on the way, it’s clear the iPhone juggernaut will continue in 2022.
