iPhone14:7 The biggest upgrade we want to see

iPhone14:7 The biggest upgrade we want to see

It's only been a week since the iPhone 13 hit the hands of early adopters. However, some people's thoughts are already turning to the iPhone 14.

Now that the iPhone 13 is actually in our hands, all of our questions about the iPhone 13's additional features have been clearly answered, even if the answers to those questions turn out to be "not this year. And now we are eager to see if the features that did not make the final cut for the iPhone 13 are somehow still in the discussion for future versions of the phone.

The latest speculation comes from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who writes that a "complete redesign" is being planned for next year's iPhone, just as everyone is getting used to the iPhone 13's current design.

As our iPhone 13 review found, the new model addresses some of the remaining complaints with the iPhone 12 admirably. The different iPhone model 13 features a larger battery and a brighter screen, while introducing enhanced camera features aimed at keeping Apple at the top of the best camera phone rankings. However, there are still issues that need to be addressed, which is where the iPhone 14 will come in next year.

Heck, we're not afraid to avert our gaze from the iPhone 13 and wishcast the iPhone 14. Here are the changes we hope to have on the drawing board for future iPhones.

The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, like other premium flagships, offer refresh rates that dynamically adjust in response to on-screen activity. For example, tasks that benefit from a smoother screen get a refresh rate of 120Hz, while more static activities allow the iPhone to drop down to 10Hz to conserve battery. iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max are our Best Smartphones Battery Life list, which suggests that Apple has figured out how to implement a fast refresh display without taking the hit to battery life that has been seen on some other devices.

So bring the feature to the iPhone 14, we say - and not just the Pro model. iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini remain stuck at 60Hz. If that reflects a supply problem, as some Apple watchers have claimed, that's fine. However, a year would be enough time for Apple to get its display supply system in order.

Whatever entry-level flagship model Apple launches in 2022, and remember that the iPhone 13 mini is rumored to be the last phone of this size.

Given that I have publicly stated that the lack of Touch ID is the iPhone 13's biggest deficiency, I think my restraint in not bringing up that deficiency until now is commendable. But, Apple, please bring back a way to unlock the iPhone that doesn't rely solely on Face ID.

You can probably recite this part with me by now, but while Face ID may be great for unlocking phones and verifying payments in peacetime, it has limited use in situations where I still have to wear a face mask in many situations. Since the need for face masks is unlikely to go away anytime soon, Apple should figure out a way to bring back a fingerprint reader to the iPhone.

Apple has announced that it has reduced the notch on 13 iPhone models by 20%, and while any reduction is a sign of progress, we still believe that about 80% of the notch remains.

As Android users are proud of, nothing beats having an unobstructed view of the phone's display when playing games or watching videos. Even a punch-hole notch in one corner of the screen is preferable to a notch completely encroaching into the top of the display.

Apple's ability to move away from the notch will depend on how easy it is to relocate the Face ID sensor and install a front camera. Given the performance of the current models' under-display cameras (spoiler alert: not very good), a notch-free future would require significant improvements or better alternatives.

Apple has long included tools for building augmented reality apps in its iOS developer releases. The company added a LiDAR sensor to its Pro phones in 2020, bringing the possibility of more immersive AR apps to smartphones. And while some do not rule out a 2022 launch, Apple's AR Glass, which is rumored to potentially debut in 2023, is no less important.

If Apple is serious about AR, it needs to show more AR on the iPhone 14. That means adding LiDAR sensors to all iPhone models, not just the Pro version. And expect more AR tools to be added in next year's iOS update to set the stage for future Apple Glasses presentations.

If you read our iPhone 13 model reviews, from the smallest iPhone 13 Mini to the most powerful iPhone 13 Pro Max, at some point you will find mention of the iPhone's charging speed. That would not be a complimentary mention; the charging speed of all iPhone 13 models is 20W, while wireless charging with MagSafe is limited to 15W.

The Galaxy S21 (not exactly a speed demon when it comes to charging) is faster than the iPhone at 25W. And there's no talk of OnePlus phones or support for 65W charging; the Pixel 6 is also rumored to have enhanced charging, so unless something is done with the iPhone 14, Apple's phones will really stand out.

I can't help but feel a little envious when I see Galaxy S21 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 3 owners being able to use the S Pen on their respective devices. And when I saw how inconveniently implemented the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is to support the S Pen, requiring a separate case to hold the stylus, I wished Apple would do a better job with this feature.

The Apple Pencil seems uniquely suited for this task, especially since Apple has included features like the Pencil-friendly Quick Note feature in iPadOS 15. Apple may never overcome its aversion to designing input devices for cell phones. Despite the usual video of Steve Jobs claiming that "the only input device you need is your finger," Apple makes a pretty good accessory that fits the iPhone as well as the iPad.

If Apple takes a cue from Android phone makers and adopts USB-C for charging and connecting mobile devices, it could enable fast charging as mentioned earlier. Apple's insistence on its own Lightning interface is simply a hindrance at this point.

Apple's hand may be forced in this regard, as the European Union is considering rules that could force all handset manufacturers, including Apple, to use USB-C. However, such a rule would not take effect for several years, so Apple may be able to hasten matters by adopting USB-C of its own volition.

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