There are still several months to go before the 2022 iPhone 14 models will be ready to launch, but because there are such significant updates in the works for these devices, we've been hearing rumors about them since well before the iPhone 13 models even came out. iPhone sizes are changing in 2022, and Apple is eliminating the 5.4-inch iPhone mini as it turned out to be unpopular with customers. After seeing lackluster iPhone mini sales, Apple is planning to focus on larger iPhone sizes for its flagship devices, and we're expecting to see a 6.1-inch iPhone 14, a 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro, a 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Max, and a 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Since 2017, iPhones with Face ID have had a notch at the front to house all the necessary equipment for facial scanning, but that's set to change with the launch of the iPhone 14. The 2022 iPhone 14 Pro models are expected to eliminate the notch in favor of a new design. Rumors are a bit mixed right now, but it looks like Apple will go with some combination of a circular hole-punch cutout for the camera paired with a pill-shaped cutout to house to key Face ID components. This feature will unfortunately be limited to the Pro models, and the standard iPhone 14 models will continue to feature a standard notch.
The rear camera could also see a new design with Apple introducing a thicker body that allows for the camera bump to be eliminated. If this pans out, the lenses, flash, and LiDAR scanner could sit flush with the rear glass, but we've only heard one rumor suggesting that this might happen. Some of the new iPhones may feature a titanium frame, and redesigned speaker and microphone grilles are a possibility. Apple could also use a new vapor chamber thermal system that will keep the iPhone cooler to minimize the impact of faster chips and 5G connectivity.
New iPhones always include camera improvements, and the iPhone 14 is no exception. There will be improvements to the Ultra Wide camera, and there's a possibility that Apple will introduce a "periscope" zoom lens that allows for much greater optical zoom, but it's still not yet clear if this will come in 2022 or 2023. The Pro iPhone models could also get 48-megapixel cameras and 8K video recording capabilities.