The iPhone 14 and its three companion devices (14 Pro, 14 Max, and 14 Pro Max) will arrive next month. Apple has kept quiet about details and even the existence of the new terminals, but even without official announcements we have a pretty good idea of what to expect.
This year’s iPhone refresh is going to be very risky, with the removal of one form factor and the addition of another, bigger differences than ever between Pro and non-Pro models, and prices exorbitant. Some will be unhappy with the things that have changed; others will be furious with those who have remained the same.
But there are also many reasons to rejoice. In this article, we explain why we are excited about the launch of the iPhone 14.
1. The beginning of the end of the notch
At first glance, most Apple fans hated notch, the awkward diamond cut from the top of the iPhone X screens. After a while we learned to tolerate it, but it never really convinced us.
That’s why we’re happy to announce that the iPhone 14 Pro (but not the midrange iPhone 14, unfortunately) will be the first notchless iPhone. Its front sensors will be contained in place (according to several reliable sources) in a few more subtle openings.
Is not perfect. Obviously, what we really want is an all-screen design with sensors hidden under the glass. But it’s a very welcome compromise that clutters up the screen less and looks prettier – and more up-to-date – than the increasingly old-fashioned notch.
2. Always visible
In 2019, with the launch of the Apple Watch Series 5, Apple introduced its first always-on display: one that continues to show essential information, albeit in a simplified and dimmed form, even when the device is entered into its waking state. Three years later, this feature will come to the iPhone 14 Pro.
The timing should work out well, as the new release arrives as Apple lets iPhone owners significantly customize their lock screens for the first time.
You’ll be able to choose which widgets are essential enough to appear on the “idle” iPhone lock screen, and it looks like there will be idle versions of Apple’s wallpapers as well.
This is how always-on display is likely to work.
This feature will likely be limited to Pro models, but speaking of displays, there could also be good news for non-Pro buyers: ProMotion is expected to appear on all new models this year.
3. Megapixels, lots of megapixels
Ming-Chi Kuo believes that Apple is about to upgrade the wide-angle camera lens of its iPhone Pros from the current 12 MP to 48 MP. Android fans have gotten used to some ridiculous numbers when it comes to camera specs, but this is a surprising bump for Apple, which has had 12MP for years.
Apple has always championed experience over specs, but it’s hard not to get a little excited about the sudden quadrupling of the megapixel rating. Given the quality of the iPhone 13 Pro’s 12MP camera, that’s a tempting prospect, with leaks claiming incredible performance in bright light.
Reports also claim that the rear camera will be capable of recording 8K video, at least on the Pro models, while the front camera will get autofocus and a wider aperture: f/1.9 instead. of f/2.2.
4. No more minis, but a great Max
Apple fans were sad to learn that the iPhone mini line would be discontinued this year. The 13 mini offered world-class performance in a sleek, ultra-portable chassis, and while the head says Apple is right to retire it, the heart will miss what little motor it might.
But when Apple closes a door, it opens a window, and we’re unabashedly excited about the new iPhone 14 Max that will replace the mini in the lineup. In the past, iPhone buyers who wanted the biggest screen were forced to buy a phone with flagship specs in every other department, and the Pro Max models were almost notoriously expensive.
Now those of you who play games on your iPhones or frequently watch movies on your phone can compromise on camera or RAM allocation (or the pinhole + pill design or the always-on display) and buy an upgraded model with a large screen at a relatively reasonable price.
Time will tell if that’s really what the market is looking for, but it seems like a more plausible target audience than the “small hands, huge wallets” crowd that was supposed to buy the iPhone mini.
5. A new color!
It’s pretty superficial, but every year we get excited about the new color that Apple is going to add to its iPhone lineup. The standard line added pink in 2021, a beautiful dark blue in 2020 and purple in 2019; the Pro models have added and lost various greens and blues over the years, while the gold option never seems to be the same.
What will Apple add in 2022? Pantone colors for this fall include bold shades of orange, red, pink, yellow and green, so expect the iPhone 14 to deliver something bright. The iPhone 14 Pro, meanwhile, is expected to come in purple.
Original article published in English on our sister site igamesnews.com.
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