iPhone 14 rumours – spec, launch date, everything we know
Like most smartphone makers, Apple tends to refresh the iPhone range every year. iPhone 14 launch event is scheduled for Sept. 7. This year’s lineup will arrive in four flavors: 6.1” iPhone 14, a 6.1” iPhone 14 Pro, a 6.7” iPhone 14 Max, and a 6.7” iPhone 14 Pro Max.
While the iPhone 13 was something of an incremental update of the iPhone 12, many rumours suggest the iPhone 14 will be a bigger step forward – particularly when it comes to the iPhone 14 Pro.
Here is everything we know about Apple’s upcoming 2022 iPhones.
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iPhone 14 launch date
iPhone 14 model range
The biggest news with the iPhone 14 model range is that there’ll be no iPhone 14 mini. We love Apple’s smallest smartphone, but it seems the public doesn’t, and mini models haven’t sold well. Rumours have it that the new range will consist of the standard iPhone 14 and an iPhone 14 Pro, both with a 6.1” display. There’ll be an iPhone 14 Pro Max with the same 6.7” screen size as today’s iPhone 13 Pro Max, but new to the range will be an iPhone 14 Max, combining standard iPhone performance with the larger screen.
Apple is said to be responding to the market’s preference for bigger screens, but the news will be a disappointment for fans of smaller phones. However, given Apple seems to be committed to the budget iPhone SE brand, we wouldn’t be that surprised to see the iPhone mini design resurface as a fourth generation iPhone SE, in 2023 or 2024.
iPhone 14 design
Apple rarely makes wholesale changes to the iPhone’s design, and the last was the straight-edge look that came in with the iPhone 12. As such, it’s no surprise that rumours suggest the iPhone 14 will keep essentially the same design as the iPhone 13 range.
Some sources previously suggested the phones may become deeper, allowing for the rear camera to sit flush with the back panel rather than sticking out in a hump. More recent information seems to contradict that. Moulds supposedly produced for accessory companies still feature the camera hump, which has grown slightly as it did between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13.
Apple is reportedly advising major U.S. carriers to prepare for the launch of eSIM-only smartphones by 2022, which suggests some iPhone 14 models may be the first to come without a SIM slot. However, some eSIM-only smartphones are not available in all countries, meaning it may still be necessary for Apple to release a SIM version as well.
It’s rumoured that the iPhone 14 might see the debut of a titanium chassis, as available on the Apple Watch. If true, it’s likely you’ll only find this stronger metal on the flagship iPhone 14s, possibly replacing the stainless steel used up until the iPhone 13 Pro – that would probably see the top spec iPhones become lighter, too. As for colours, we’ve seen a rumour suggesting the new phone will come in purple, among a typically wide choice of hues.
iPhone 14 display
If the widespread rumours are true, the iPhone 14 range will have two regular sized phones with 6.1” displays, and two ‘Max’ phones with 6.7” displays. There’s less certainty about the exact spec of those displays. While most competitors – even comparatively affordable ones – now offer 90 or 120Hz refresh rates, not so the standard iPhone 13, which sticks with 60Hz. Some sources have it that the standard iPhone 14 models will also be limited to 60Hz, to better differentiate them from Pro iPhones which will again go up to 120Hz.
There’s also discussion about the iPhone’s unloved ‘notch’, which we’ve criticised in our own reviews. Some rumours have it that Apple is refining its FaceID technology to allow a more conventional ‘hole-punch’ front cut-out, or at least a smaller cut out than currently necessary. If true, it’s thought this might feature only on ‘Pro’ level phones.
iPhone 14 features
Rumours that the iPhone 14 would move to USB-C, rather than Apple’s proprietary Lightning port, seem to have been wrong. Other connectivity improvements are more likely – it’s widely thought the iPhone 14 will get a faster, 10-gigabit 5G modem.
Perhaps the most exciting change might be the addition of satellite communication, originally rumoured for the iPhone 13. Apple’s thought to be working on a system whereby iPhone users can use satellite networks to get emergency help if they’re outside of Wi-Fi and cellular network coverage. There’s little detail on whether this will make it to the iPhone 14, and whether it’ll be a ‘Pro’ only feature, but it could literally be a lifesaver.
Another major upgrade that could be revealed to us is an increased storage capacity up to 2TB, comparing to last years 1TB.
iPhone 14 performance
Apple has previously fitted each generation of iPhone with a new iteration of its Bionic chips, but rumours suggest the iPhone 14 will get a less straightforward upgrade. Currently, Apple’s A15 Bionic powers all four iPhone 13 models, but for the first time the flagship phones received a more powerful version with an extra graphics core.
With the iPhone 14 it’s thought that the standard iPhone 14 models may inherit the iPhone 13 Pro’s enhanced A15 Bionic, with only the flagship iPhone 14 Pro models getting an all-new A16 Bionic chip.
If Apple does want to create a bigger gap between the standard and flagship iPhones, distancing their performance in this way would certainly fit that goal. If true it’s a shame for people who can’t afford an iPhone 14 Pro, but not the end of the world – the A15 Bionic remains a mightily powerful chip. It’s rumoured that all four iPhone 14 models will get 6GB of RAM.
iPhone 14 camera
The iPhone’s camera never remains unchanged between generations, and it’s likely that the iPhone 14 will take another step forward. It’s rumoured that all four iPhone 14 models will get an upgraded front camera, possibly including autofocus and a wider aperture lens for better low-light performance.
While it’s almost certain that the rear camera will see improvements, the most interesting rumour is that iPhone 14 Pro models will get a new 48 megapixel (MP) sensor, more in line with other high-end phones. While the iPhone 13’s 12MP sensor already turns out fantastic pictures, switching to a 48MP sensor would allow more detailed photos in good light. The use of pixel binning – essentially grouping several pixels together to increase sensitivity – would help it still produce great 12MP photos when there’s less light about.
iPhone 14 battery
There’s precious little information about the iPhone 14 battery life. With a move to smaller manufacturing processes for the processor and 5G chip, it’s probable that both would use less power for the same performance, allowing for more life from a given charge. If it’s also possible to make them and other components physically smaller, Apple might be able to fit a larger battery too.
We’d certainly expect a longer battery life, given that Apple has managed to extend it with every recent generation of iPhone. And given that several competitors now offer much faster charging than the iPhone 13’s 20W maximum, we wouldn’t be surprised to see upgraded charging performance, either.
iPhone 14 UK price
Apple never confirms the iPhone price before the official launch, but it’s highly likely the new phone will remain at or very near the same price as the iPhone 13. However, given that Apple wants to better distinguish its standard and flagship phones, it’s possible that there’ll be a bigger price gap, too. To achieve this, the standard iPhone 14 could be cheaper, the flagship iPhone 14 Pro models could cost more – or both.
What’s nearly certain is that there’ll be no iPhone 14 mini, and that means the entry level price for a new iPhone is likely to go up. Currently an iPhone 13 mini costs £100 less than its full-sized equivalent. Without it, the cheapest iPhone 13 would be £779. While Apple could surprise us, it’s likely the entry point iPhone 14 will be priced around that point.