Leaks about Apple’s iPhone 14 have already revealed a lot: an all-new design, a supersized budget model, chipset restrictions, camera upgrades and a controversial pill-shaped punch hole. But now arguably the biggest upgrade has just been revealed.
Apple's iPhone 14 Pro concept render
In a new Q&A with popular Apple site iDropNews, anonymous tipster LeaksApplePro has revealed that the return Touch ID is very much still in play for iPhone 14 Pro models just a week after the tech had been seemingly shot down:
“I can tell you that this feature has been dropped from the regular 14 series. However, it’s still being tested to be included in the Pro lineup next year under the display, though it’s unclear if we will end up seeing it.”
Bloomberg’s acclaimed Apple insider Mark Gurman previously noted that in-display Touch ID was tested but did not make the iPhone 13 lineup. So this new information, especially reducing production demands by restricting it to iPhone Pro models, makes a lot of sense. If Touch ID does return, it is expected to be in addition to Face ID rather than replacing it and would be a massive feature in a mask-wearing world.
Notches And Punch Holes
The differences between iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models doesn’t stop there either. The aforementioned move to a punch hole display has been widely rumored in 2022 but LeaksApplePro says — if it does happen — this will again be an iPhone 14 Pro-only feature.
Apple iPhone concept showing in-display Touch ID
Super Sizing For Less
While this news will be disappointing for non-Pro buyers, LeaksApplePro did also signal that big changes are coming to the iPhone 14 regular models. The leaker states that “there’s definitely no chance” of an iPhone 14 Mini because “next year’s iPhone lineup will consist of two 6.1-inch and two 6.7-inch devices”. This backs up leaks that Apple will replace the Mini with the much rumored ‘iPhone 14 Max’ and finally give Apple fans on a budget a big screen (and presumably big battery) iPhone for less.
All of which creates something of a mixed bag for those waiting for the iPhone 14 “complete redesign”. Apple is clearly looking to widen the gap between Pro and non-Pro models. That said, it may also mean that the smart move is for potential iPhone 13 upgraders to skip this generation so they can afford iPhone Pro models next year. Just be aware of Apple’s falling trade-in prices.
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