'iPhone 12' leak details smaller TrueDepth notch
A pair of images shared by avid Apple leaker Jon Prosser on Sunday detail what appears to be schematic drawings of a next-generation "iPhone 12" handset, the top portion of which illustrates a TrueDepth sensor "notch" that is substantially smaller than existing designs.
Supposed "iPhone 12" illustration depicting smaller TrueDepth notch.
Posted to Twitter by Jon Prosser, one image looks to be a photograph of a CAD drawing similar to those seen in past Apple hardware leaks from partner manufacturers. A second illustration, thought to be produced using information provided by the original schematic, offers a cleaner view of the handset's design with a focus on the so-called "notch."
Both images depict a TrueDepth package that is significantly more compact than arrays included in flagship iPhones since iPhone X in 2017.
The module layout in the allegedly leaked schematics represent major updates to Apple's original design. Notably, the earpiece speaker has been moved above TrueDepth to sit in the smartphone's thin bezel, thereby freeing up space in the notch and surrounding area. Current iPhone models with Face ID cradle the speaker between important -- and physically large -- components, with the system's dot projector and front-facing full-color camera to the right, and infrared flood illuminator and infrared camera to the left.
The purportedly new arrangement shows iPhone's speaker positioned directly above stacked ambient light and proximity sensors, which themselves have been moved inward to take a more central location in the array. TrueDepth's transmitting and receiving element packages, once referred to as "Romeo" and "Juilet," are also moved toward center.
TrueDepth might also see a slight reduction in height, but such tweaks are difficult to confirm without detailed measurements.
While not a large change, "iPhone 12's" smaller notch will offer a few additional millimeters of screen real estate for end users.
A potential reduction in iPhone notch size was first reported by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who last July predicted Apple to adopt the design in switching to smaller front-facing cameras. Rumors of a complete removal of the once-controversial notch followed in September when reports indicated Apple was working on prototypes that squeezed TrueDepth's parts into iPhone's upper bezel.
Supposed "iPhone 12" illustration depicting smaller TrueDepth notch.
Posted to Twitter by Jon Prosser, one image looks to be a photograph of a CAD drawing similar to those seen in past Apple hardware leaks from partner manufacturers. A second illustration, thought to be produced using information provided by the original schematic, offers a cleaner view of the handset's design with a focus on the so-called "notch."
Both images depict a TrueDepth package that is significantly more compact than arrays included in flagship iPhones since iPhone X in 2017.
The module layout in the allegedly leaked schematics represent major updates to Apple's original design. Notably, the earpiece speaker has been moved above TrueDepth to sit in the smartphone's thin bezel, thereby freeing up space in the notch and surrounding area. Current iPhone models with Face ID cradle the speaker between important -- and physically large -- components, with the system's dot projector and front-facing full-color camera to the right, and infrared flood illuminator and infrared camera to the left.
The purportedly new arrangement shows iPhone's speaker positioned directly above stacked ambient light and proximity sensors, which themselves have been moved inward to take a more central location in the array. TrueDepth's transmitting and receiving element packages, once referred to as "Romeo" and "Juilet," are also moved toward center.
TrueDepth might also see a slight reduction in height, but such tweaks are difficult to confirm without detailed measurements.
While not a large change, "iPhone 12's" smaller notch will offer a few additional millimeters of screen real estate for end users.
A potential reduction in iPhone notch size was first reported by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who last July predicted Apple to adopt the design in switching to smaller front-facing cameras. Rumors of a complete removal of the once-controversial notch followed in September when reports indicated Apple was working on prototypes that squeezed TrueDepth's parts into iPhone's upper bezel.
Comments
I would have XR sized bezels which are already tiny and place TrueDepth there.
I'm sure that those who held off on the iPhone 11 series already feel justified in their decisions. This will also have 5G. If they keep pricing in check, this could be a winner.
Plus, they could have four models released this year which would be a first if an iPhone 12 (non-Pro) is kept in the lineup.
Display integrated TouchID would be the way to go. I would even go with a cheeper TouchID only budget phone from Apple (TouchID sensor integrated in the display of course) - like an iPhone SE3 with no notch, no FaceID but an integrated TouchID.
Sure, there are still people that will attempt to steal your iPhone in public, but given that most people are under stay at home orders, I'm not seeing that this will be a problem even after those orders are lifted. There have been rumors that an under screen Touch ID system will be included in future devices at some point, but I doubt that we will see that this fall.
In the meantime, security of my iPhone 7 Plus is still only a four digit passcode, and given the circumstances, I don't consider my iPhone's security a concern.
As a security measure, the FaceID rig can be set to trigger only if it can see your eyes. Apple realised that most people would naturally look at the screen, not at a camera array in a bezel, hence the notch. It would be annoying for users to have to flick their eyes up to look at the camera and then back down to the screen, which is what they want to look at in the first place.
My guess is the notch is not going anywhere until Apple can put the array behind the screen.