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Apple to ditch notch for punch-hole, launch 5G iPhone SE in 2022

Updated: Oct 21, 2021, 8:46 AM

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Apple to ditch notch for punch-hole, launch 5G iPhone SE in 2022

Apple iPhone 12 vs Galaxy S20 FE

The iPhone has used a notch since late 2017 and Apple has so far ignored calls from customers for it to be ditched. But come 2022, the controversial design feature might be replaced with something more subtle.

The iPhone 14 Pro could feature a Samsung-like punch-hole design

Reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed in his latest note to investors (via MacRumors) that Apple intends to abandon the notch and switch to a “punch-hole display design” on at least some 2022 iPhone models, expected to replace the iPhone 13.

iPhone 13 features guide

The resulting design should be similar to what Samsung has offered on its flagship Galaxy smartphones since 2020, so Apple’s next iPhone design certainly won’t be anything revolutionary.

What the move means for Face ID is unclear, but it could receive an upgrade that involves in-screen technology, therefore removing the need for cut-outs on the display. The aforementioned punch-hole might be reserved for the selfie camera.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

Speaking of which, Apple is reportedly planning an upgrade for its 2022 lineup that’ll see the introduction of autofocus support. Apple’s new punch-hole displays are intended for the 2022 iPhone 14 Pro models, although if production yields are good enough the brand may choose to use the design on all iPhone 14 models.

When will Apple go all-screen with the iPhone?

If the prospects of a punch-hole iPhone in 2022 don't get you excited, perhaps Apple’s 2023 plans (via 9to5Mac) might interest you more. Ming-Chi Kuo says it might be the year Apple finally releases an all-screen iPhone with no notch or punch-hole.

This upgrade could be delayed if development issues are encountered, but right now the notch-less look is expected to debut on a high-end 2023 iPhone. As previously reported, a periscope camera is expected to arrive that year too.

The next iPhone SE could launch in early 2022 with 5G support

The 2020 iPhone SE

The iPhone 14 series is scheduled to debut in September 2022, unless there are delays. But before that, Ming-Chi Kuo believes Apple will announce another important smartphone.

A third-generation iPhone SE is reportedly on track for an early 2022 launch (via MacRumors), around two years after the current version was released. The phone will retain the existing design, which means there’ll be a 4.7-inch display and Touch ID home button.

But in an attempt to entice customers, the third-gen iPhone SE is predicted to offer 5G network support and an upgraded processor, likely the A14 Bionic or next-gen A15 Bionic.

Whether these added features will lead to a price bump is unclear, but the affordable device should boost 5G adoption regardless. No update was provided on the rumored iPhone SE Plus.