It looks like the iPhone 14 is on track for a September launch, as after test production started as planned in February, we now hear that the phone has entered the technical testing stage.
That's according to analyst Jeff Pu of Haitong International Securities, who, in a note seen by 9to5Mac, claims he found out through a supply chain survey. We weren't expecting delays in particular, (*15*) are always possible, especially in the age of Covid, so that's a reassuring sign.
Pu also shared other details about the iPhone 14 lineup, saying that the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max will get a new 48MP main camera, as we've heard before, and that the entry-level model will have a larger screen. than last year (as apparently there would be no iPhone 14 mini).
Pu also adds that the starting price of the iPhone 14 will likely be similar to that of the iPhone 13, a phone that starts at $799 / £779 / AU$1,349. This is also something we have heard before.
However, while this all sounds promising, and probably since most of these rumors have been rumored multiple times, the iPhone 15 lineup could get even bigger upgrades.
According to Pu, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will likely have a 5x optical zoom periscope camera, compared to 3x optical zoom on current models. Which, again, is something other sources have also pointed out.
And away from iPhones, Pu claimed that Apple will equip some 2024 iPads with OLED screens. Specifically, Apple will apparently bring this display technology to the 11-inch and 12,9-inch models, which are sizes we currently only see the iPad Pro line use.
That doesn't necessarily mean it will be the iPad Pro range that will have OLED screens, as future iPad Pros may have larger screens, so we could see the iPad Air range move up to perhaps the current Pro size.
Analysis: Is the iPhone 15 worth the wait?
Since the iPhone 15 could get a significant camera upgrade, you might be wondering if it's worth skipping the iPhone 14 and waiting for that, assuming you don't upgrade your phone every year.
For what should I? Well, it's too early to definitively answer that, as we don't even know for sure what the iPhone 14 lineup will offer, let alone the iPhone 15.
But this year's major upgrades are likely to be limited to the Pro models and come in the form of camera cutouts rather than a notch (hence a design change) and a 48MP main camera, rather than the current one. 12MP.
As for the iPhone 15, the Pro models can have 5x optical zoom and can hide Face ID under the screen (meaning only a small cutout would be needed).
So for both years we could be seeing design and camera changes, and the iPhone 15 Pro is likely to be much better on both fronts. But with potentially big updates this year too, it probably won't be a mistake to buy in September, at least if you're upgrading to Pro. The standard iPhone 14 so far looks a lot less exciting.