Leaked image suggests Apple has no plans to nix the notch on iPhone 12

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the notch on the iPhone x
The notch isn't going anywhere, a new image suggests.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Images posted to Chinese social media depict what could be the notch and display for the upcoming 5.4-inch iPhone 12.

It’s tough to tell too much from the picture. However, if accurate, it contradicts previous reports that Apple could reduce the size of the notch or eliminate it completely on the new iPhones. On the contrary, since the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 could be the smallest Face ID iPhone yet, the notch might be comparatively larger than ever!

This supposedly leaked image may also go against another recent unconfirmed rumor suggesting that the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 will lack Face ID. Instead, that rumor suggested the phone will use Touch ID, with a scanner either on the side of the phone or under the glass display.

Smaller bezels on iPhone 12?

As Tom’s Guide notes, the new images — which first appeared on Chinese social media outlet Weibo — suggest that the bezels around the edge of the display could be slightly smaller than previous models. Since the photos do not provide a huge amount of context, it’s hard to tell whether this is accurate. But it would be in keeping with Apple’s overall slimming down of device bezels in recent years.

This year, Apple is expected to debut four new iPhone models in September, split into both regular and Pro variants. The basic iPhone 12 models will come in 5.4- and 6.1-inch sizes. Meanwhile, the iPhone Pro will come in 6.1- and 6.7-inch models. They will also boast an iPad Pro-style redesign, a powerful 5nm A-series chip, faster 5G connectivity, improved cameras, a rear lidar scanner for the Pro model and more.

Are you excited about this year’s rumored iPhone lineup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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