Apple could reduce the notch size of the “iPhone 13” by slightly moving the handset to the frame, apparently depicting images of supposed front glass panels.
The notch on the top of the iPhone is a signature item, but also one that many people have complained about in the past. Rumors since its introduction have claimed that a smaller notch will be used in future models, a claim that resurfaced on Tuesday.
Images provided by the iRepair Repair Service and provided to MacRumors shows a trio of what appear to be glass panels. The panels are said to be designed for use on the iPhone 13 and will have the same sizes of 5.4 inches, 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches as the current iPhone 12 models.
The key to the image is that the notch at the top is much smaller than in previous versions. To achieve this, the glass simply moves the section of the headset from the slot to the top edge.
While feasible, the image is highly questionable for several reasons. For starters, the image comes from a repair team, a company that would not necessarily receive components for an unreleased smartphone for six months before its release.
Glass panels are more likely to be screen protectors. Accessory producers produce product prototypes before Apple launches to make sure they have adequate stock at the time of the iPhone launch.
These prototypes are also usually based on rumors rather than supply chain or Apple data directly, due to the highly secretive nature of Apple’s manufacturing processes.
Exactly the same rumor was made about the iPhone 12, with an image leak in April 2020 claiming that the notch of the TrueDepth sensor would be reduced in size. Again, the handset moved up toward the bezel to make room.
In January 2021, supply chain sources claimed there would be notch changes for the iPhone 13, including moving the headset to the edge of the screen.