The latest leaks and rumors seem to indicate the next iPhone release will simply mirror what Apple fans have already seen with the iPhone X in 2017 so for many the urge to upgrade might not be too strong. This could change next year as one analyst is making claims that beginning in 2020, we can expect a radical redesign.
At least, there will be an iPhone model without the notch, according to WCCFTech, which picked up the latest research notes issued by Apple-focused analyst Ming-chi Kuo. That would mean Apple is doing away with the True Depth facial recognition mechanism that necessitated the wide cutout on the top of the iPhone screen. In its stead, engineers will embed a front camera sensor with the next iPhone display panel.
In addition, the iPhone maker is said to be plotting the return of Touch ID, and the tech's incarnation will be a fingerprint reader that again is embedded on the device's display. This indicates that the iPhone to succeed the 2019 models will boast of an edge-to-edge screen.
"Apple would be able to deliver perfect all-screen iPhones a year later," BGR said in a related report.
This has to be a welcome development for hardcore iPhone fans who in the past few years can only watch as Android users were treated to full display smartphones released by vendors such as Samsung, Huawei, and other Chinese device makers.
Apart from the redesign that will be applied on the iPhone front display, Kuo said the 2020 iPhones would be equipped with a seven-element lens on its rear camera. This represents an upgrade from the six-element lens that can be found on the iPhone X, the iPhone XS and the iPhone 11 that will come out later this year.
The iPhone 11, however, will be distinct from the line by having a triple camera setting as a primary shooter, according to Forbes.
And in line with the upcoming adoption of the on-screen fingerprint scanner and display-embedded front camera sensor, it is said that the 2020 iPhones will transition from LCD to Chip-on-Glass, Chip-on-Flex, and Chip-on-Plastic display panels. This suggests that the iPhone release this coming September will mark the exit of LCD from the iPhone supply chain.
Other step ups to be expected is the use of OLED on the sequel to the iPhone XR, but it remains unclear if this is scheduled to happen this 2019 or next year. It's certain though that a 5G-enabled iPhone model will have to wait for 2020 as this year's rollout is seen limited to 4G.
