The next range of Apple Inc. iPhones due out later this year will feature a smaller notch, which will then be replaced altogether in models next year, according to an investor note today from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Kuo, who is famed for his remarkable accuracy in predicting future Apple trends, claims that the iPhone 13 lineup likely coming in October, will be the same as the iPhone 12 series, with four different models and the same screen sizes.

The differences in the phone start with a smaller notch. Although far smaller notches and even hole punch front-facing cameras have become the norm among many manufacturers, Apple’s iPhones have maintained one of the biggest notches in the industry.

While screen sizes may remain the same, the technology and hence speed they operate is likely to be upgraded, according to Kuo. The display for the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max is expected to use a more power-efficient LTPO technology with support for 120 Hertz, similar to the display currently seen on the iPad Pro. The higher number increases its responsiveness, providing a superior experience to users, something already seen on flagship phones from other companies.

The cameras in the iPhone 13 lineup are likely to see some changes as well. Kuo says the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max will feature an upgraded ultrawide camera. The whole iPhone lineup is expected to debut with larger batteries, making the devices heavier, while the 5G modem in the range will be upgraded to the Qualcomm five-nanometer X60M from the existing iPhone 12’s seven-nanometer X55M.

Notable is what may be missing from the iPhone 13 lineup. For several years it has been speculated that Apple will abandon its Lightning cable for the industry-standard USB-C, but Kuo doesn’t believe that will happen this year. In addition, despite reports that it would add a Touch ID sensor to the power button, that will not be happening this year either, according to Kuo.

Coming next year

For the model lineup due in 2022, Kuo believes that major changes will be seen with the iPhone 14 lineup. The largest change will be the replacement of a notch with a hole-punch front-facing camera similar to those seen in phones from Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Google LLC and OnePlus Technology Co. Ltd.

Whether that camera will be seen in all 2022 models is another matter, however. Kuo says it may initially be seen only in the high-end iPhone models before being rolled out to later models in the year following.

At the lower end of Apple’s lineup, Kuo predicts that Apple will debut a new iPhone SE model in the first half of 2022. The new SE model will be Apple’s first entry-priced model to feature 5G and will likely retain its current 4.7-inch iPhone 8 inspired design with a processor upgrade under the hood.

Image: Apple