We are coming to that time of the year where every eyes will start looking towards Apple and the launch of the latest iPhone’s. This year is no different and Apple is already preparing for the launch of iPhone 14 series smartphones.
Let’s check what we know till now and what we can except from Apple this year. As expected, Apple will announce the release of iPhone 14 series in 7th September “Far-Out” Event of this year though the actual market launch may be delayed till mid of September.
RIP iPhone Mini
Lets first talk about the iPhone Mini series. Apple has long been advocate of the small screen sizes by saying there are customers who want this screen size. That’s supposed to end this year with no new iPhone 14 Mini.
All the rumor points that Apple has finally decided to keep the 6.1 inch as the smallest screen size for iPhone 14 Series. iPhone Mini was already selling in limited quality which was one of the trigger point.
So, if you are a fan of iPhone Mini and was hoping the get one, you will be disappointed. You have to plan to migrate towards 6.1-inch screen size with either iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro.
Though it’s may not be the end of the road for the iPhone Mini fans, not at least this year. Apple will still be selling iPhone 13 Mini which you may be able to buy if you want the small screen factor.
iPhone 14 Models
Though iPhone will not have Mini but you will still see four different models for iPhone in this year release. Apple is planning to release a 6.7-inch screen size iPhone without the Pro features.
So we are expecting below models to be announced in the Apple 7th September events.
- iPhone 14 (6.1-inch)
- iPhone 14 Max (6.7-inch)
- iPhone 14 Pro (6.1-inch)
- iPhone 14 Pro Max (6.7-inch)
So now everyone will have a choice of 6.1-inch or 6.7-inch screen size. You can choose if you need Pro features or not. Earlier to get 6.7-inch screen size, you always have to buy Pro Max model which comes with all bells and whistles.
With the iPhone 14 Max which will have similar features as iPhone 14 with a bigger screen and better battery, you can opt to get bigger screen on the budget. The model should be a good success since many people give up Pro Max series because of the price difference from the base model, now they will have option.
There are still some discussion about what Apple will name this model. There are two names which are floating around – iPhone 14 Max / iPhone 14 Plus. We have seen Apple using the Plus branding before they launched the Pro, but we believe Max branding makes more sense and give the whole series a symmetrical naming.
iPhone 14 Features
iPhone 14 will launch with the latest iOS update – iOS 16. iOS 16 should be available by mid September, will bring a lot of new features which Apple has showcased in the June event. Along with those software features, we expect some of the hardware updates starting with the new A16 Bionic chipset from Apple.
Though due to chip shortages across the world, we might see iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max using the A15 Bionic chips from last year, where the new A16 Bionic chips may be iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models.
As usual A16 Bionic will be sequential upgrade with more capability from A15 series. The major focus might be on the on device image processing since we might also see a camera upgrade in this year models.
Camera Upgrade
One of the major updates we are expecting is on the camera. After using the 12MP lens for so many years, Apple might upgrade the back camera of iPhone’s. Though the upgrade might only be provided in Pro models but the jump is supposed to be significant.
The Pro model will get the new 48MP Sony lens which can improve the photo and video quality significantly. This will first significant camera improvement since the 12MP introduction at iPhone 7 launch. The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max will still use the 12MP camera with small upgrades.
The front camera will also see an upgrade with wider aperture and auto-focus capabilities. Because of the wider aperture, you will be able to take brighter selfie’s. The auto-focus will also enhances the cinematic effects on the iPhone camera.
Pill Shaped Notch
One of the most talked about topic for recent iPhone’s is its notch design. You either like it or hate it. It has generated so many reaction across internet that we don’t need to talk about it anymore.
This year Pro model will get a new Pill-shaped design which will reduce the size of the notch and free up some more screen real estate. Initial rumors talked about a pill and hole design but looks like Apple might stuck to a single pill shaped design which will have black penal between the sensors.
The new pill shaped design also going to be contentious since its still blocking some part of screen but now it will come in between the video’s or photo display. Personally, for me this is more annoying as you have some part of screen visible both side of the pill shaped notch. Let’s see how people will accept this new design.
Always on Display
Another new update which will come to iPhone 14 is always on display. Apple is going to borrow that feature from the last year Apple Watch 7 to this year iPhone 14.
The always on display will show a dark wallpaper with the time and other notification as and when it’s happening. Apple would need the dynamic refresh rate of the display to pull off this feature so it may only come to Pro model. Some rumors talk about always on display coming to all models but we are more inclined to think it as a Pro only feature.
You should be able to customize the always on display screen and select what you want to see on the screen. We will know about it in more details on September event.
Price
Though the price for iPhone 14 might not see a increase, the entry price for iPhone series will be increased by $100 due to discontinue iPhone Mini. Now the iPhone entry model will be iPhone 14 and the latest rumor suggest that Apple might add $50 discount to lure the iPhone Mini buyers.
Here are expected prices for the iPhone 14 Series –
- iPhone 14 – $749
- iPhone 14 Max – $849
- iPhone 14 Pro – $1049
- iPhone 14 Pro Max – $1149
With the $50 discount across models, and iPhone 14 Max introduction, Apple is expected to gain on the average sale price of the iPhone 14 Series. This is a good news for the customers since if you are buying a regular models, you may save some money.
