Apple is preparing to launch the iPhone 14, its updated smartphone for 2022 and with a Special Event confirmed, there’s no shortage of speculation about what to expect.
There are expected to be four iPhone models joining the already announced iPhone SE (2022). These are said to be the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max, along with Pro models of these devices. Yes, that means that the iPhone mini might be dead for this year.
We’ve covered the rumours surrounding the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max in a separate feature, but here we are focusing on the standard iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max. This is everything we have heard so far.
Release date
- 7 September 2022
- From $799/£779/€909?
Apple typically releases its new flagship iPhone models in September and normally on the second Tuesday of the month. That’s been the pattern for a number of years – at least it has been if you ignore 2020.
However, Apple has confirmed that it will be holding an event on 7 September 2022, which is when we expect to see the launch of the iPhone 14. That event was confirmed with an invite to the media on 24 August 2022.
In terms of price, we would expect the iPhone 14 to start around the same ballpark as the iPhone 13, which is $799/£779/€909. We’d then expect the iPhone 14 Max to cost around £100/$100/€100 more. Whether the iPhone 14 starting price drops if there really is no mini model this year remains to be seen, though we doubt it will.
Design
- Notch
- IP68 rated
- Flat-edge design
The Apple iPhone 14 models are currently rumoured to follow a very similar design to their predecessors, with a notch at the top of their display. There have been several reports of the iPhone 14 Pro models offering a pill-shaped cut-out at the top of their display, but it’s suggested the standard iPhone 14 models will retain the notch we saw on the iPhone 13 models.
A flat-edge design is expected again for the iPhone 14 models, and it’s likely to be an aluminium frame with a glass rear rather than stainless steel and glass, which is what is likely for the Pro models.
It is also expected that the iPhone 14 models will offer an IP68 water and dust resistance and come in a range colour options. Some variations are likely compared to the 2021 models, though at the moment, it’s not clear what, even though purple has been suggested. Based on some moulds, it looks like the rear camera housing setup will look largely the same as the iPhone 13 models.
Display
- 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch
- ProMotion displays
- No 5.4-inch model
According to rumours, there will be an iPhone 14 and an iPhone 14 Max in 2022, and no iPhone 14 mini. It’s claimed the iPhone 14 will have a 6.1-inch display, while the iPhone 14 Max will have a 6.7-inch display, which puts it in line with the iPhone 13 Pro Max model and therefore likely the same size as the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Reports suggest the standard models could get Apple’s ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate. There was originally some talk of Touch ID being placed under the display to work alongside Face ID, though more recent rumours suggest that won’t be the case.
There have also been rumours of an always-on display, but this seems like it will be a feature that will only come to the Pro models.
Hardware and specs
- A15 Bionic, 5G
- 6GB RAM
- 64GB base model?
It has been suggested that the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max won’t get a processor upgrade for 2022, remaining on the A15 Bionic chip that powers all the iPhone 13 models instead of moving to the A16, which the iPhone 14 Pro models are expected to feature.
Reports claim all iPhone 14 models will have 6GB of RAM and we know they will all be 5G compatible given all iPhones, including the entry-level iPhone SE (2022), have been since the iPhone 12.
In terms of storage, with the standard iPhone 13 models coming in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB options, it’s likely the iPhone 14 models will offer the same, though there have been some reports that the base model could start at 64GB.
Some battery details have been revealed in a leak, though there is some scepticism. It’s said the iPhone 14 will have a 3279mAh battery, while the iPhone 14 Max could have a 4325mAh battery. There’s also been talk of faster charging rates from 20W to 30W.
All the iPhone 14 models will no doubt run on iOS 16, which Apple previewed at WWDC. You can read our separate feature on it for all the features and details we know so far. There’s also been talk of an eSIM only option in some regions.
Cameras
- Dual camera likely
- Front camera with autofocus
There haven’t been a great number of rumours surrounding the iPhone 14 cameras, though it is expected they will have a dual rear setup, like their predecessors.
It is likely the iPhone 14 models will offer a main and ultrawide camera on the rear but no telephoto and we also expect that they won’t offer all the same features as the iPhone 14 Pro.
It’s also been claimed the front camera of the iPhone 14 models could be upgraded though, with suggestions of autofocus and an aperture of f/1.7.
For now though, the details are thin on the ground.
Apple iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max rumours: What’s happened so far?
This is everything we have heard about the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max so far.
24 August 2022: Apple confirms 7 September date for iPhone 14 launch event
Apple has confirmed a Special Event at Apple Park.
18 August 2022: Mark your calendars, Apple iPhone 14 likely to launch 7 September
Mark Gurman of Bloomberg has reported that a reliable source has claimed the iPhone 14 event will take place on 7 September.
8 August 2022: Apple iPhone 14 to come in purple with 30W charging
A report from Twitter user Jioriku claimed the standard iPhone 14 models will come in a purple option and feature faster wired charging of 30W compared to 20W.
19 July 2022: Apple iPhone 14 might have an eSIM only variant
The Wall Street Journal reported that we could see an eSIM only variant of the iPhone 14 models as eSIM adoption increases across Asia and European markets.
11 July 2022: Apple iPhone 14 launch tipped for 13 September
According to a tweet from tipster iHacktu ileaks, the iPhone 14 event will take place on 13 September 2022, which follows the previous release pattern for the iPhone models (except the year 2020) and the date we had pencilled in for the launch. If true, pre-orders would likely start on 16 September and availability from 23 September.
6 July 2022: Only iPhone 14 Pro models will get Apple’s A16 chip, claims analyst
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has stated that only the Pro models will gain a CPU boost this year.
[Analysis] Structural changes for iPhone’s high-end camera supply chain / iPhone高階相機供應鏈的結構性改變；Sony、大立光、Alps和LG Innotek顯著受益於僅iPhone 14 Pro/高階機型採用最新的A16處理器 @mingchikuo https://t.co/kZLdnXmAyN
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) July 6, 2022
23 June 2022: Apple iPhone 14 batteries detailed
ShrimpApplePro tweeted some battery capacities for the Apple iPhone 14 models, though take them with a pinch of salt as even they don’t seen convinced.
iPhone 14 series battery capacity, note that this is not confirmed.
14 3279 mAh
14 Max 4325 mAh
14 Pro 3200 mAh
14 Pro Max 4323 mAh
Hmmm pic.twitter.com/Rywrb77EBk— ShrimpApplePro (@VNchocoTaco) June 22, 2022
22 June 2022: iPhone 14: Samsung to supply 80 million OLED displays to Apple
According to reports in Korea, Samsung is poised to supply some 80 million OLED displays to Apple for its next generation of iPhones, the iPhone 14 line up.
6 June 2022: Apple previews iOS 16, big changes coming
Apple previewed iOS 16 during WWDC, revealing a number of big changes, including a redesigned Lock Screen.
31 May 2022: iPhone 14 dummies shown in hands-on pics
Sonny Dickson released a video of what is said to be dummy models of the iPhone 14 models and while they have no displays, they do show what the devices are expected to look like from the rear.
27 May 2022: China lockdowns claimed to have impacted iPhone 14 development schedule
Nikkei Asia reported that China Covid lockdowns have impacted the development schedule for at least one of the iPhone 14 models, with Apple claimed to have told suppliers to speed up.
24 May 2022: Apple turns to LG for iPhone 14’s higher-end front camera
Apple is reportedly making quite a major change to the front-facing camera on the iPhone 14, according to reports from South Korea. It’s said LG Innotek will make the sensor and it might offer autofocus.
25 April 2022: No Apple iPhone 14 mini, but new 48MP main sensor for Pro models
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who has an excellent track record when it comes to Apple leaks, has said in his latest edition of his Power On newsletter that we will see a 6.7-inch standard iPhone 14 this year, rather than a 5.4-inch iPhone mini, supporting previous rumours.
20 April 2022: Apple iPhone 14 could get a front camera upgrade
Industry analyst Ming Chi-Kuo has claimed the iPhone 14 models will likely all see a front camera upgrade, with autofocus and a wider aperture of f/1.7.
19 April 2022: Leaked iPhone 14 case moulds show off what Apple could launch in 2022
Moulds said to be of the iPhone 14 models appeared online showing an iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max alongside an iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. There was no iPhone 14 mini mould.
11 April 2022: No redesign for iOS 16, but new features will be announced at WWDC
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said Apple’s next software build – iOS 16 – is unlikely to see a complete redesign but it will have new features, with a focus on notifications again.
31 March 2022: Apple iPhone 14 won’t have under-display Touch ID fingerprint sensor
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously predicted Apple would eventually make the move to offer both Touch ID beneath the display and Face ID, and while he didn’t think it would happen before 2023, he then tweeted claiming he doesn’t think it will happen at all now.
21 March 2022: Apple iPhone 14 and 14 Pro display sizes and specs leak
Tipster Shadow Leak revealed the expected display sizes and some specs for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models.
14 March 2022: Apple iPhone 14 may not get a processor upgrade this year
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed the standard iPhone 14 models will stick to the A15 chipset, while the iPhone 14 Pro models will move to the A16 chip.
23 February 2022: The iPhone 14 might have better battery life thanks to new 5G chip
The iPhone 14 might get a welcome boost in the battery life department, it’s been reported, due to a new 5G chipset that it might employ, freeing up tiny amounts of space for an increased battery capacity.
17 January 2022: Apple iPhone 14 and 14 Max could have 120Hz ProMotion displays
In a research note with Haitong International Securities (via MacRumours), analyst Jeff Pu says all four of the 2022 iPhones will come with a 120Hz refresh rate display and 6GB RAM.
13 January 2022: iPhone 14 to feature unique dual cutout for camera/FaceID?
According to analyst Ross Young, Apple will adopt a punch-hole system that comprises of two cutouts: one pill-shaped and one round. It’s also suggested that the smaller of those two cutouts will not be invisible. In other words, it’ll look like a sidewise ‘i’ cut into the display.
1 November 2021: Apple is working on a car crash detection feature for iPhone and Apple Watch
According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple is working on a new feature for the iPhone and Apple Watch that can tell if you’ve been in an automobile accident and automatically dial emergency services for you.
26 September 2021: Apple iPhone 14 will be completely redesigned, claims reliable leaker
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman claimed the iPhone 14 would see a redesign, corroborating reports that the company many move to a punch hole camera.
30 July 2021: Apple exploring under-display Touch ID and Face ID – and it could mean the notch is dropped for iPhone 14
Apple was granted a patent suggesting it is exploring under-display Touch ID. In the filing, Apple details how the current iPhone design features the imaging sensor next to the display, rather than being embedded into it. The core of this patent, then, discusses how this imaging sensor could be joined with the display in order to enable the next iteration of Touch ID.