2020 iPhone to reduce TrueDepth notch, full-screen display rumored for 2021
Apple is expected to significantly decrease the size of iPhone's TrueDepth "notch" in 2020, modifying or potentially removing the divisive design feature with the help of a smaller camera, according to noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
The TF Securities analyst aired the prediction in a recent note to investors, as reported by MyDrivers on Wednesday.
Ming-Chi Kuo expects Apple to use a smaller front-facing camera lens in its next-generation iPhone, a move that could reduce the size of the TrueDepth camera array and corresponding notch, thereby increasing usable screen real estate.
The analyst goes on to say that the design of the handset will likely change. Whether the redesign is in some way related to the removal of iPhone's notch is unclear. The report is short on detail and does not specifically state that Kuo's note predicts a switch away from the design heralded by iPhone X and carried on with iPhone XS and XR.
Considering the current state of technology, and recent rumors, a decrease in notch size is more likely than its outright removal. The company is working on a number of solutions to the notch issue, including camera and optics technology capable of operating under -- more accurately through -- a smartphone's screen.
In addition to the TrueDepth predictions, Kuo says the 2020 iPhone's rear-facing camera will boast a seven-piece lens system.
Kuo's predictions are more conservative than those of a Credit Suisse analyst referenced in the report. According to the Business Times, Credit Suisse channel checks presented at the MWC Shanghai exhibition this week show Apple's screen suppliers are developing full-screen displays without cutouts, activity the research firm believes will lead to a notch-less iPhone as soon as next year.
By 2021, Apple will ultimately move to an optics-based full-screen fingerprint recognition technology similar to products employed by high-end Android handset makers, Credit Suisse said. The next iPhone might feature both a next-generation, full-screen Touch ID solution alongside an under-screen TrueDepth camera.
Most recently, a report in early July claimed Apple plans to introduce a China-exclusive iPhone variant that drops Face ID in favor of an under-screen Touch ID module. By removing TrueDepth, Apple will be able to market the handset at a relatively low price point, attracting a wider swath of the Chinese market, the report said.
The TF Securities analyst aired the prediction in a recent note to investors, as reported by MyDrivers on Wednesday.
Ming-Chi Kuo expects Apple to use a smaller front-facing camera lens in its next-generation iPhone, a move that could reduce the size of the TrueDepth camera array and corresponding notch, thereby increasing usable screen real estate.
The analyst goes on to say that the design of the handset will likely change. Whether the redesign is in some way related to the removal of iPhone's notch is unclear. The report is short on detail and does not specifically state that Kuo's note predicts a switch away from the design heralded by iPhone X and carried on with iPhone XS and XR.
Considering the current state of technology, and recent rumors, a decrease in notch size is more likely than its outright removal. The company is working on a number of solutions to the notch issue, including camera and optics technology capable of operating under -- more accurately through -- a smartphone's screen.
In addition to the TrueDepth predictions, Kuo says the 2020 iPhone's rear-facing camera will boast a seven-piece lens system.
Kuo's predictions are more conservative than those of a Credit Suisse analyst referenced in the report. According to the Business Times, Credit Suisse channel checks presented at the MWC Shanghai exhibition this week show Apple's screen suppliers are developing full-screen displays without cutouts, activity the research firm believes will lead to a notch-less iPhone as soon as next year.
By 2021, Apple will ultimately move to an optics-based full-screen fingerprint recognition technology similar to products employed by high-end Android handset makers, Credit Suisse said. The next iPhone might feature both a next-generation, full-screen Touch ID solution alongside an under-screen TrueDepth camera.
Most recently, a report in early July claimed Apple plans to introduce a China-exclusive iPhone variant that drops Face ID in favor of an under-screen Touch ID module. By removing TrueDepth, Apple will be able to market the handset at a relatively low price point, attracting a wider swath of the Chinese market, the report said.
Comments
Of course they will work to shrink and eliminate it tho.
I really am going to miss my tactile pressable Home Button and handy-for-auxiliary-speaker-purposes headphone jack though. I really hope they keep 3D Touch too.
Honestly your post sounds like your are justifying not upgrading your phone by trashing the newer models.
My Xs Max is gorgeous and runs smooth and crisp with Face ID. It took me about a day to truly get used to using it and not the thumb to access the phone. I watch videos on YouTube daily and the notch isn’t and issue at all. I honestly thought it would be when I first saw it on the X, and then using it when I bought the the Xs Max.
2) I see no technical reason why Apple couldn't make Touch ID even faster and more secure to meet or beat the random, societal aspect of their probability metric, but I do see this being more of a challenge when you imbed the fingerprint in (or behind) the display with the current Touch ID tech. That said, I think I a bigger concern would be removing pixels to place various sensors at the expense of the display, as noted by one of their patents.
3) What I don't get about people like waverboy is their persistent ability to ignore that they're gaining considerably more display, not removing it in favor of the notch. Based on comments this is what they see...
“The probability that a random person in the population could look at your iPhone or iPad Pro and unlock it using Face ID is approximately 1 in 1,000,000 with a single enrolled appearance. As an additional protection, Face ID allows only five unsuccessful match attempts before a passcode is required. The statistical probability is different for twins and siblings that look like you and among children under the age of 13, because their distinct facial features may not have fully developed. If you're concerned about this, we recommend using a passcode to authenticate.”
Notice the part about “with a single enrolled appearance”, that’s important considering Face ID is constantly updating it’s record of your face with every successful unlock.
Never see it, too busy actually seeing the screen I guess.
Otherwise, always new things to look forward to. Fun stuff.
You're reading it wrong. “The statistical probability is different for twins and siblings that look like you” and then separately, “and among children under the age of 13, because their distinct facial features may not have fully developed”.
Meaning, if an adult is using Face ID who has a similar looking sibling or twin, it’s not 1 in 1,000,000, but some other (lower) value. Then! separately, if a child is enrolled, other children might be able to unlock that child’s phone with Face ID.
Not that your child can unlock your phone.
Meanwhile I see that you just wrote to make it clearer and I don’t object to that.