14 DAY TRIAL // Apple is reportedly exploring ways to launch an iPhone without a notch, and a report today indicates that 2019 could mark Cupertino’s return to more conventionally-looking devices.
ET News writes Apple is already discussing with partners on the possibility of launching a modern iPhone without a notch, though for the time being, no specifics were provided.
“Apple has decided to remove the notch from next year and has already started discussing technical issues with suppliers,” a person familiar with the matter was quoted as saying.
How Apple could kill off the notch
If Apple indeed abandons the notch next year, it means that the company used this controversial technology for only two years, which is a questionable decision given the effort, both in terms of research and financial investments, to build it for the 2017 iPhone X.
One way that Apple could give up on the notch and continue offering facial recognition is by embedding all modules right into the glass. While similar projects have already been created at a smaller scale, Apple could come up with a design of its own, though exploring such a way comes with its own challenges.
For example, while embedding more tech into the display would be one way to go, Apple needs to find a way to use the space inside the iPhone in a more effective manner, as devices could become thicker with such a design approach.
Industry already embracing the notch
On the other hand, Apple already giving up on the notch means that the first company that used it is also the first to abandon it, despite the rest of the industry following in its own footsteps.
In addition to a plethora of Android clones that come with a notch, it’s believed that Google itself wants to support the adoption of this feature on the next generation of Android devices with support for the notch built into Android P.
Of course, it’s important to take this report with a pinch of salt since we’re still far from the debut of the 2019 generation of iPhones, but it’s unexpected to say the least to see Apple exploring such a possibility.