Other What iPhone 14 surprises might come?

[nquinn]

Curious what surprises we could possibly see with iPhone 14 that hasn't been discussed yet.

Given that it's largely expected to be nearly the same with just a different chassis and same or similar cpu (A15 or A15 pro chip), doesn't it seem like Apple needs to throw a little something more in?

- CPU - still on A15, but maybe gets the Pro A15 with +1 gpu core and 6gb vs 4gb ram
- Camera - prob not much they can do there
- Wideband chip for new airpods? Seems likely
- Wi-fi 6e, seems very unlikely given same SoC
- High accuracy GPS
- Upgraded base storage? Never gonna happen =/

Just seems like the 14 will be one of the pointless upgrades Apple has ever done for a phone. What am I forgetting that could possibly be upgraded?

 

[iStorm]

People have been saying the new phones have been "pointless" upgrades for the past few years. Well, yeah...if you're coming from the previous gen. I'm sure the 14 will be a fantastic upgrade for those that have the 12, 11, or older.

 

[nquinn]

People have been saying the new phones have been "pointless" upgrades for the past few years. Well, yeah...if you're coming from the previous gen. I'm sure the 14 will be a fantastic upgrade for those that have the 12, 11, or older.

Ya I'm coming from an iPhone 8 so deciding if I want to stick mini (13 mini) or 14 full size.

I mostly want a little better battery life + better camera which is horrible on the 8. I played around with a 13 mini and it is 2x faster to use which was noticeable for sure. I don't think I'd feel much difference between a 12 or 14 though.

 

[Slartibart]

they just found this prototype in a coffee house in Cupertino…seems to represent a technological leap in relatable technology… luckily this incredible guy from Lancashire put up a quick video! 💪🤜🤛🤓

 

[JPack]

Wi-Fi 6E guaranteed since Broadcom started shipping in 2021.

X65 for 10 Gigabit 5G.

Front camera autofocus.

New software features for rear camera limited to 6GB RAM devices.

Might be some minor upgrades for display (more nits), stronger MagSafe, Ceramic Shield 2, etc.

 

[nquinn]

Wi-Fi 6E guaranteed since Broadcom started shipping in 2021.

X65 for 10 Gigabit 5G.

Front camera autofocus.

New software features for rear camera limited to 6GB RAM devices.

Might be some minor upgrades for display (more nits), stronger MagSafe, Ceramic Shield 2, etc.

The M2 didn't get wi-fi 6e, though that's based on A15 SoC. Not sure if all of the wireless stuff is completely separate (I think it would be since I know Apple was working on their own cellular modem/etc).

Is cellular and BT/wi-fi all on the same chip right now?

 

[JPack]

The M2 didn't get wi-fi 6e, though that's based on A15 SoC. Not sure if all of the wireless stuff is completely separate (I think it would be since I know Apple was working on their own cellular modem/etc).

Is cellular and BT/wi-fi all on the same chip right now?

Apple typically waits about 18 months after Broadcom launches their latest chips before adopting it for iPhone. BCM4389 came out January 2021.

MacBook Air is cost-optimized (doesn’t support 160 MHz) and didn’t really fit the timeframe.

The Wi-Fi/BT and cellular modem are all discrete chips.

 

[DaffiDuck]

Curious what surprises we could possibly see with iPhone 14 that hasn't been discussed yet.

Given that it's largely expected to be nearly the same with just a different chassis and same or similar cpu (A15 or A15 pro chip), doesn't it seem like Apple needs to throw a little something more in?

- CPU - still on A15, but maybe gets the Pro A15 with +1 gpu core and 6gb vs 4gb ram
- Camera - prob not much they can do there
- Wideband chip for new airpods? Seems likely
- Wi-fi 6e, seems very unlikely given same SoC
- High accuracy GPS
- Upgraded base storage? Never gonna happen =/

Just seems like the 14 will be one of the pointless upgrades Apple has ever done for a phone. What am I forgetting that could possibly be upgraded?

Well first even if you can be bothered to look at my thread on mac rumors you can see apple has already surpassed its "Due" date for new features and technology. As we are gaining into Year 5 of iPhone Recycled design. Expect the unexpected expect loads of new features upgrades and new items as its overdue looking at past data from apple. So your thread has no meaning


https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...or-changes-relating-to-the-iphone-14.2313936/

 

[jav6454]

People have been saying the new phones have been "pointless" upgrades for the past few years. Well, yeah...if you're coming from the previous gen. I'm sure the 14 will be a fantastic upgrade for those that have the 12, 11, or older.

Agreed. The time when the next gen wow'd everyone in every manufacturer is long gone. Phones can easily last 3-4 years.

 

[CrazyForCashews]

Apple Dex

 

[nrvous1]

Ya I'm coming from an iPhone 8 so deciding if I want to stick mini (13 mini) or 14 full size.

I mostly want a little better battery life + better camera which is horrible on the 8. I played around with a 13 mini and it is 2x faster to use which was noticeable for sure. I don't think I'd feel much difference between a 12 or 14 though.

Not really a generational upgrade, but I had a chance to use a coworker’s 13 Pro Max today in an apple leather case and what a beautiful device. We’ll see if I can hold out for the 14 or if I’ll just impulse buy the 13 pro max and sell or carrier trade in my 13 mini.

 

[mikext]

a mini version. 🤪

JK i wish

 

[Ram65]

Curious what surprises we could possibly see with iPhone 14 that hasn't been discussed yet.

Given that it's largely expected to be nearly the same with just a different chassis and same or similar cpu (A15 or A15 pro chip), doesn't it seem like Apple needs to throw a little something more in?

- CPU - still on A15, but maybe gets the Pro A15 with +1 gpu core and 6gb vs 4gb ram
- Camera - prob not much they can do there
- Wideband chip for new airpods? Seems likely
- Wi-fi 6e, seems very unlikely given same SoC
- High accuracy GPS
- Upgraded base storage? Never gonna happen =/

Just seems like the 14 will be one of the pointless upgrades Apple has ever done for a phone. What am I forgetting that could possibly be upgraded?

I agree it will probably be a pointless upgrade but folks will spend money just to have the latest iPhone . Apple is gonna make billions with the 14 launch. Phone carriers gonna have deals to lock you in for a few years oh yes nothing will stop the apple money train

 

[Jackbequickly]

Do not see anything groundbreaking as we have hit the tech ceiling for now. 5G was not that big of a deal.

what we need to hope for is the chinese not interfering in the iPhone supply so that stock will be hard to come by.

 

[nquinn]

Ya honestly the next big breakthrough that I'd care about would be new battery technology I think. Like +50-100%.

My next iPhone 13 mini purchase may last me 6-7yrs (with one battery replacement in the middle)

 

[one more]

Curious what surprises we could possibly see with iPhone 14 that hasn't been discussed yet.

Given that it's largely expected to be nearly the same with just a different chassis and same or similar cpu (A15 or A15 pro chip), doesn't it seem like Apple needs to throw a little something more in?

- CPU - still on A15, but maybe gets the Pro A15 with +1 gpu core and 6gb vs 4gb ram
- Camera - prob not much they can do there
- Wideband chip for new airpods? Seems likely
- Wi-fi 6e, seems very unlikely given same SoC
- High accuracy GPS
- Upgraded base storage? Never gonna happen =/

Just seems like the 14 will be one of the pointless upgrades Apple has ever done for a phone. What am I forgetting that could possibly be upgraded?

What is a “high accuracy GPS”, compared to what we already have?

 

[Sunshower]

Ya I'm coming from an iPhone 8 so deciding if I want to stick mini (13 mini) or 14 full size.

I mostly want a little better battery life + better camera which is horrible on the 8. I played around with a 13 mini and it is 2x faster to use which was noticeable for sure. I don't think I'd feel much difference between a 12 or 14 though.

I'm in the same position - coming from a XS and ready to make a decision once the 14 launches between that and a 13 mini. Both would be nice upgrades from my four year old phone, and although the jump from a 13 to 14 does seem quite incremental, for someone like me either would be a serious improvement in terms of battery/camera etc. (I'm very conscious iPhone's these days are pretty boring but they remain the best option in my eyes for a good reliable phone.)

On the main point of the thread - We can presume as the 13 used the same camera system as the 12 pro series, the 14 camera will likely be upgraded too to that of the 13 pro series. That would be a nice jump, and, again for those who are upgrading every 3,4,5 years, would be a fantastic camera.

I think the jump from 4-6GB RAM is a bigger deal than people let on too, despite the fact it will use the same A15 (5GPU core) as the 13 pro series. My XS is four years old and has 4GB RAM which the 13 series still uses. Quite often RAM is a determining factor around software upgrades down the line - so firstly this could increase the longevity of the regular 14 series, and secondly, more RAM is good for multitasking and the general feeling of speed across the device.

I totally agree and think it's a minor and quite disappointing update overall when compared to the 14 pro upgrades - but there's just enough upgrade-wise for it to be a good option for people like me and millions of others looking to upgrade without spending £1,100+ on a new phone. Will wait and see myself, it's likely going to be a question of size more than features for me personally. I love the 13 mini form factor and it might sway me away from a 14 despite the upgrades.

 

[KOTN91]

Yes it is looking like the most insignificant upgrade of all time for the non pro. I still think there may be some surprise feature and there is simply nothing compelling on that list. Perhaps much longer battery life than even the 13? I could see them upping the base storage even though they did that last year if there really are no new features

 

[Motionblurrr]

Every year the same thing...

Before the 13 Pro launched, everybody with a 12 Pro was saying how boring and useless the 13 Pro would be with a smaller notch and 120hz.

Then the phone drops and it's absolutely incredible and everybody wants one.

Round and round we go...

 

[nquinn]

What is a “high accuracy GPS”, compared to what we already have?

See this article:

We Tested Mobile GPS/GNSS Accuracy and Found Some Surprising Results

Are modern mobile phones as accurate as they say?

medium.com

Apple isn't using any of the newer dual frequency GPS receivers and is a joke compared to Android. Maybe doing it for battery life or cost.

I don't care that much about a few feet, but it would be really helpful in urban environments where you get a lot of multi-path interference from taller buildings. I regularly will have my GPS dot putting me on entirely the wrong street.

Apple did at least move from the the basic GPS/GNSS to more satellite systems with the iPhone 12 and beyond (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou), but still not using dual frequency chips.

 

[nquinn]

I'm in the same position - coming from a XS and ready to make a decision once the 14 launches between that and a 13 mini. Both would be nice upgrades from my four year old phone, and although the jump from a 13 to 14 does seem quite incremental, for someone like me either would be a serious improvement in terms of battery/camera etc. (I'm very conscious iPhone's these days are pretty boring but they remain the best option in my eyes for a good reliable phone.)

On the main point of the thread - We can presume as the 13 used the same camera system as the 12 pro series, the 14 camera will likely be upgraded too to that of the 13 pro series. That would be a nice jump, and, again for those who are upgrading every 3,4,5 years, would be a fantastic camera.

I think the jump from 4-6GB RAM is a bigger deal than people let on too, despite the fact it will use the same A15 (5GPU core) as the 13 pro series. My XS is four years old and has 4GB RAM which the 13 series still uses. Quite often RAM is a determining factor around software upgrades down the line - so firstly this could increase the longevity of the regular 14 series, and secondly, more RAM is good for multitasking and the general feeling of speed across the device.

I totally agree and think it's a minor and quite disappointing update overall when compared to the 14 pro upgrades - but there's just enough upgrade-wise for it to be a good option for people like me and millions of others looking to upgrade without spending £1,100+ on a new phone. Will wait and see myself, it's likely going to be a question of size more than features for me personally. I love the 13 mini form factor and it might sway me away from a 14 despite the upgrades.

Remember the 13 only received the larger sensor size of the old 12 pro, not all of the lenses/etc. I doubt we see much of a camera change on the 14 (non-pro).

But ya, 6gb vs 4gb of ram is better than nothing, but still... come on. These are $830+ phones with 256gb. These aren't mid-range $400-$500 android equivalents.

 

[Sunshower]

Remember the 13 only received the larger sensor size of the old 12 pro, not all of the lenses/etc. I doubt we see much of a camera change on the 14 (non-pro).

But ya, 6gb vs 4gb of ram is better than nothing, but still... come on. These are $830+ phones with 256gb. These aren't mid-range $400-$500 android equivalents.

Oh I agree - being in Apple-land I'm asking to get ripped off 😆

 

[one more]

See this article:

We Tested Mobile GPS/GNSS Accuracy and Found Some Surprising Results

Are modern mobile phones as accurate as they say?

medium.com

Apple isn't using any of the newer dual frequency GPS receivers and is a joke compared to Android. Maybe doing it for battery life or cost.

I don't care that much about a few feet, but it would be really helpful in urban environments where you get a lot of multi-path interference from taller buildings. I regularly will have my GPS dot putting me on entirely the wrong street.

Apple did at least move from the the basic GPS/GNSS to more satellite systems with the iPhone 12 and beyond (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou), but still not using dual frequency chips.

Interesting stuff, however they tested it with old iPhones (XR and 5S-based SE). They could have added either an X or XS to the mix, perhaps affecting the results. My 12 mini GPS accuracy is quite good and will only get better with the new models coming out. ✌️

 

[parajba]

I hope a top of the range camera. My friend has just bought a Samsung A52s, which is a mid budget phone, for £250 new. I still have an iPhone X.
Well, her camera is way better than mine let me tell you! In the evening and night no contest. Also the screen is much nicer, and the phone seems speedy and very responsive. It’s also lighter and bigger screen than mine.

I am going to upgrade from my X to either the 14P or 14PM, I hope it blows me out of the water, her A52s looked like a very attractive proposition for a fifth of the price!

 

[rimsy]

The standard sized 14 pro to be approx 180grams (or less) would be a very welcome surprise