iPhone 14 Features
The functionality and feature set of the iPhone is highly reliant on iOS updates. Other than processor changes and camera updates, there are few alterations that can be made to the hardware that will fundamentally change how iOS operates.
Apple previously introduced features like Force Touch and Face ID that caused operating system features to emerge around them. For example, swiping down from either corner around the notch will open different menus, something implemented around the existence of the True Depth sensor array.
iPhone 14 designs
Most of the leaks for "iPhone 14" so far have focused on the pro models, the "iPhone 14 Pro" and "iPhone 14 Pro Max." That may be because Apple seems to be taking a different approach to upgrades for 2022.
The pro models are rumored to be losing the notch in favor of a pill-and-hole cutout, a 48MP camera, and the better A16 processor. However, the standard models may not be too different from the existing iPhone 13.
The first real look at the "iPhone 14" arrived in mid-March with some alleged leaked device diagrams. They showed a near-indistinguishable design from the iPhone 13 with the same notch and similar camera bump.
Cameras
Apple is expected to continue offering a two-camera system for the "iPhone 14." One is a 12MP wide lens, and the other is a 12MP ultra-wide lens.
The iPhone camera is one of the most important aspects of the device since it is one of the most used features. Apple generally adds new capabilities to its cameras each generation, even if the hardware itself doesn't change much.
Another potential upgrade could be brought to the selfie camera. Apple could shift to a 12MP ultra-wide lens that would bring Center Stage functionality to the iPhone. The Mac and iPad lineups both have access to this feature, so it is only natural it would trickle down to the most popular FaceTime device.
A rumor shared in late April 2022 suggests that Apple could improve the selfie camera with a wider aperture of f/1.9, up from f/2.2. The company could also add in autofocus for better focus tracking in video and FaceTime calls.
Display
The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display on the iPhone 13 will likely return for the "iPhone 14." It is a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 460ppi pixel density.
The larger "iPhone 14 Max" will likely get the iPhone 13 Pro Max display panel, just without ProMotion. That's a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with a 458ppi pixel density.
Cables and connectors
The last port transition for iPhone was from 30-pin to Lightning in 2012. It was a highly controversial move, and users weren't happy that their collection of accessories and cables had suddenly been rendered obsolete.
Apple promised that the Lightning connector was the "connector for the next decade" and proceeded to add Lightning to many devices and peripherals. Now, a decade later, some assume Apple is ready to move to the next port for its most popular product.
The next obvious choice is USB-C since it is a literal successor to Lightning and was developed in tandem with Apple's connector. However, that standard is also beginning to show its age, if only in number, since it was first rolled out widely in 2015.
Rumor mongers like Jon Prosser and Ming-Chi Kuo have both stated that Apple isn't likely to use USB-C in iPhone, but would move to a port-less device instead. Rather than a plug-to-port connection, the iPhone would communicate wirelessly or via a magnetic connection.
MagSafe, for example, was introduced in the iPhone 12 as a magnetic accessory and charging system. While it is only used for power now, it could gain a data component in a future update to allow "wired" connections for faster data transfer.
If Apple is ready to make the jump to port-less in the "iPhone 15," then users can expect to see signs of this transition in the "iPhone 14." For now, Lightning will likely stick around another generation.
Biometrics
The iPhone transitioned to Face ID as its biometric of choice with the iPhone X, but Touch ID has remained in some devices across the product line like iPad, iPhone SE, and MacBook. Some users prefer the fingerprint sensor and have clamored for some form of the biometric to return to flagship iPhones.
Rumors previously said that Apple could include both Face ID and Touch ID in the 2022 iPhone, but the technology has proven difficult to implement. Ming-Chi Kuo has said that Apple doesn't have an official timeline for implementing Touch ID in the power button.
Under display Touch ID was another option Apple was reportedly investigating, but it hasn't proven fruitful since users expect a large area for fingerprint detection. Apple could also hide Face ID sensors under the display, but Ross Young says this wouldn't happen until the 2024 iPhone.
Instead, Apple will continue to offer the same Face ID system that is available in the iPhone 13. The standard "iPhone 14" models will have a notch to house the components.
Apple has also reduced the necessity for having both biometrics by introducing a new Face ID feature that works with masks. Now, when enabled, Face ID can scan just the area around a person's eyes to authenticate the user.
Processor
The A16 could be reserved for the "iPhone 14 Pro," while the A15 would be used again for the standard models. Rumors haven't shared why such a distinction would exist, but it isn't the first time Apple has considered using different generations of chips in new releases. The iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s were released at the same time but used the A6 and A7 processors, respectively.
Kuo states that Apple would use 6GB of RAM across all "iPhone 14" models, which would be up from 4GB in the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini. That means the A15 used in the standard models will likely see similar performance to the iPhone 13 Pro.
Also, by keeping the A15 processor in the newer models, it makes the distance between 2021 and 2022 models smaller. That means that Apple could continue selling the iPhone 13 mini alongside the iPhone 14 lineup without needing to update the model.
iPhone 14 price listing
