What would the iPhone look like without the notch?

The notch on the iPhone is a feature that divides many users. Many consider it unnecessary and not particularly elegant, while others argue that it is one of the signature design features of these smartphones. Recently, rumours have become increasingly frequent that Apple plans to remove the notch to make the screens larger.

Those in charge have not yet decided whether the notch will shrink or be removed entirely. For this to happen, a technological solution will need to be found to replace it. The most credible speculation so far comes from popular Apple leaker Jon Prosser, who claims that the next iPhone to be released in 2021, whether it is the iPhone 13 or goes by another name, will have a smaller notch.

According to other bloggers, Apple is planning a new model that will be released in 2022 and will not feature the distinctive notch on the front. Specifically, Ming-Chi Kuo says that the iPhone 14 Pro, due to be released in 2022, will have a “punch-hole” display design.

But what would the familiar iPhone look like with a notch-less design?

The first obvious question is what will happen to Face ID. If Apple removes the notch from the front of the screen, it will need to find an alternative to Face ID. Competitors have already introduced new technologies, and Apple may well adopt the same technology for iPhones that it used in the iPad Air, namely Touch ID integrated into the power button.

It is rather unlikely that Apple will replace Face ID with a less reliable and less advanced technology. It will therefore need to come up with an effective alternative way to unlock the device securely. A developer posted three different versions on his personal twitter account showing what the iPhone might look like without the notch.

Essentially, he shares the view of  Kuo. He believes that the technology Apple could introduce is the “punch-hole design”. With this particular arrangement, both the front camera and the Face ID sensors would no longer sit in the notch, but appear as three small dots on the screen. The dots could be positioned horizontally or in a triangle. Finally, there is also a less likely scenario in which Face ID would be placed under the screen. One thing is certain: despite all the speculation, Apple is keeping the design of its upcoming models a closely guarded secret. So, whether you like the notch on the iPhone or are among those in favour of removing it, one thing is certain: you will have to wait for the official announcements.