iPhone 14 and 14 Pro: Complete guide to Apple’s 2022 flagship iPhone

Apple’s yearly iPhone launch is the biggest date in the company’s calendar, and expectations are high for the iPhone 14 in the fall of 2022.

In this article we round up the latest leaks and rumors concerning Apple’s next flagship iPhone launch, including the iPhone 14’s release date, tech specs, design changes, new features, pricing and more. The latest news is that all iPhone 14 models are expected to get an upgraded front camera with autofocus and an f/1.9 aperture, while a controversial hole + pill design is set to replace the notch on the Pro models and the handset could gain an always-on display. Pro models will further differentiate themselves with a 48-megapixel rear camera and A16 processor.

While we wait for the new phones to arrive, you can pick up a bargain on the current range with our roundup of the best iPhone deals.

Update 8/16/22: The latest leak comes from someone with a source claiming to have had hands-on time with the iPhone 14 Pro, and discusses the hole+pill front camera, size, 48MP rear camera, battery life, and more. Take it all with a grain of salt.

We expect the iPhone 14 to be announced in mid-September 2022. Preorders will likely begin the Friday of the announcement week, with availability a week later.

Apple nearly always debuts its new iPhones in September each year, with COVID-19 causing one notable exception in 2020. It’s possible there will be similar delays this year–while the iPhone 14 Pro entered test production on schedule, the non-Pro models appear to have been delayed slightly–but we’d be surprised if Apple wasn’t able to get a handle on these issues in time for the fall. Mark September 2022 on your calendar for the coming of the new models.

Here’s when the last few generations arrived:

iPhone 13: September 24, 2021

iPhone 12: October 23, 2020

iPhone 11: September 20, 2019

iPhone XS: September 21, 2018

(Note that one iPhone has arrived already in 2022: the iPhone SE 3 was announced at Apple’s spring event on March 8. But the flagship launch will wait until the fall.)

iPhone 14 design: What will the new iPhone look like?

What will the iPhone look like in 2022? We expect significant design changes. Here are the latest rumors concerning the iPhone 14’s external appearance and physical chassis.

A bigger camera bump, and slightly thicker body

A recent series of photos on Twitter compares an iPhone 14 Pro mock device with an iPhone 13 Pro. The shots really make it clear just how much further the camera bump will protrude from the back of the iPhone 14 Pro–likely necessary to house the new 48-megapixel wide camera, if other rumors are to be believed. If you look closely, it appears the body itself is just slightly thicker as well. This could be good news for those hoping for better battery life–thicker phones usually means bigger batteries.

Of course, this isn’t an official iPhone 14 Pro, just a dummy “mock” device built from leaked specifications.

New sizes: Goodbye mini, hello Max

The most basic and obvious design attribute is size, and most pundits agree that Apple is about to drop a big (or rather small) bombshell in that regard. All the signs suggest that the 5.4-inch iPhone mini line is going to be discontinued: Ming-Chi Kuo, for example, has predicted that Apple will kill off the mini to introduce the Max in 2022.

What that means in practice is that we’ll still get four models, but instead of these being split into one small, two medium and one large, it will be two medium and two large.

In other words, this lineup:

iPhone 13 mini (with a 5.4-inch screen)

iPhone 13 (6.1-inch screen)

iPhone 13 Pro (6.1-inch screen)

iPhone 13 Pro Max (6.7-inch screen)

will be replaced by this one:

iPhone 14 (6.1-inch screen)

iPhone 14 Max (6.7-inch screen)

iPhone 14 Pro (6.1-inch screen)

iPhone 14 Pro Max (6.7-inch screen)

Leaked images of case molds–used to design iPhone cases of the correct dimensions–illustrate these long-rumored size changes. Knowledgable Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman supports this theory, adding that Apple “will have to get more dramatic with [2022]’s overhaul, especially as competition mounts.”

Not everyone will be glad to see the back of the mini form factor, as we explain in our article about why we mourn the iPhone mini. It’s likely that some customers will choose not to upgrade this year because of the lack of a mini model; Jason Snell is one of them. But after reportedly disappointing sales of the 12 mini and 13 mini, Apple must have calculated that their numbers will be sufficiently small that it makes sense to change to the new size strategy.

While we’re on the subject of sales, incidentally, there have been reports of Apple “cutting orders” for the iPhone 14, which some have taken as an indication of soft demand. But as the Macalope explains, that doesn’t make a lot of sense: the demand is anticipated to be as high as ever, but there seems to be supply-chain disruption. There might not be quite enough iPhone 14 handsets to go around when the launch is announced, but that’s nothing new for Apple.

A recent leak claims that the iPhone 14 Pro is “thick” and the Pro Max feels “like a brick,” perhaps owing to the bigger camera system and in support of a larger battery.

Bigger displays: More screen space (slightly)

Note that these screens won’t be exactly the same size as their direct predecessors; nor will they exactly match the size of the non-Pro models. Slimmer bezels around the screen mean the Pro iPhones will gain a fraction of an inch in diagonal measurement, according to the reliable display analyst Ross Young.

iPhone 13 Pro – 6.06"

iPhone 14 Pro – 6.12"

iPhone 13 Pro Max – 6.68"

iPhone 14 Pro Max – 6.69"

Differences due to pill + hole replacing the notch and narrower bezels. — Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) May 10, 2022

You read that right: the Pro Max model is gaining precisely one hundredth of an inch of diagonal screen size. Needless to say, these microscopic changes in screen dimension are unlikely to be proclaimed in Apple’s marketing materials, which will continue to round to the nearest tenth of an inch.

No notch: Meet the “hole + pill” camera cutout

The iPhone 13 range saw a small decrease in the size of the infamous notch on the front display. But in 2022 it’s set to be replaced by something different, at least on the Pro models.

Instead of a notch cut out of the top of the screen, we now understand that the 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max will have a pair of smaller apertures for the front-facing camera and other sensors: both a pinhole camera and a notch, as we first heard back in October. Here’s what that might look like, based on an image showcasing the “hole + pill” design that was posted on Chinese social media in February 2022:

Another leak in May gave us another glimpse of the twin-hole design, and a direct comparison between the pilled-up Pro models and their notch-based equivalents. In this image (sourced from Weibo, via Twitter), we can clearly see the slight difference in bezel thickness which will mean more screen space on the costlier models.

@SaranByte

Other sources have argued that the iPhone 14 Pro will have just a single pinhole aperture, and we investigate whether the iPhone 14 will have a notch in depth in a separate article. But at this point the twin-aperture theory seems by far the most likely, especially following the alleged leak of a new advert for Apple Pay that seems to confirm the new design. Doubts remain over whether this is legit, but it’s yet another point in favour of pin + hole.

Touch ID: The return of Touch ID

One way for Apple to make it easier to remove the notch would be to reinstate Touch ID on the next iPhone. This can be done in one of two ways, both of which have been heavily rumored for some time now.

The first is to introduce an under-display fingerprint sensor for Touch ID, as suggested by Ming-Chi Kuo to MacRumors, while the other is for Apple to use the same Touch ID sensor in the power button that it currently deploys in the iPad Air (2020) and new iPad mini (2021).

But is Apple prepared to countenance such an obvious backwards step? Touch ID was dropped from the flagship iPhones as long ago as 2017, with its ongoing confinement to more budget-focused models an implicit assertion that face recognition is better than fingerprint.

Our suspicion is that Apple will only restore Touch ID to its top-tier phones when it’s able to offer it alongside Face ID. And that doesn’t help whatsoever with the removal of the notch.

iPhone 14 colors: What color options will the iPhone 14 have?

Every year when Apple introduces a new iPhone it changes the color variants somewhat. Here’s what the color options have been for the past few years:

2021 iPhone 13 & mini: green, pink, blue, Midnight, Starlight, red

2021 iPhone 13 Pro & Max: Alpine Green, Silver, Gold, Graphite, Sierra Blue

2020 iPhone 12 & mini: purple, blue, green, black, white, red

2020 iPhone 12 Pro & Max: Pacific Blue, Silver, Gold, Graphite

2019 iPhone 11: purple, yellow, green, black, white, red

2019 iPhone 11 Pro Max: Midnight Blue, Silver, Gold, Space Gray

Each year the team at Apple comes up with new colors and new names for those colors. In the past the company has said that it takes inspiration from the colors that are deemed fashionable that season. The Pantone colors for Fall 2022 appear to be bold shades of orange, red, pink, yellow and green, so perhaps this seasons crop of Apple phones will be bold and brightly colored.

iPhone 14 price: How much will the the new iPhone cost?

Price-wise, we expect the standard iPhone 14 model to start at around $800, with the iPhone 14 Pro model somewhere between $1,000 and $1,100 (or more if you want to add extra storage).

For a rough comparison, here are the current starting prices on the iPhone 13 series, as detailed in our iPhone buying guide. Note that these will drop in price when the 14-series handsets appear (or disappear from sale entirely).

iPhone 13 mini: $699/£679

iPhone 13: $799/£779

iPhone 13 Pro: $999/£949

iPhone 13 Pro Max: $1,099/£1,049

But expect the pricing structure for the iPhone 14 models to be a little different from the current range, for the simple reason that there isn’t expected to be a 5.4-inch mini version, but rather a lower-cost 6.7-inch Max size that Ming-Chi Kuo has said could come in at under $900. With that in mind, we expect the starting lineup to range from roughly $800-$1,000 in price, depending on model and size.

The new larger model could also shake up the Pro prices. LeaksApple Pro on Twitter reported that Apple “is currently considering” bumping the prices of the Pro iPhones by $100 apiece, pushing the iPhone 14 Pro to $1,099 and the iPhone 14 Pro Max to $1,199. The account cites increasing production costs and the need to provide more than a $100 difference between the 14 Max and the 14 Pro. A report in June also claimed Apple will up the price of the Pro models by $100 in 2022, with the iPhone 14 Pro could start at $1,099 and the Pro Max starting at $1,199. With the expected removal of the mini model, the low-end model will likely start at $799, while the iPhone 14 Max model will slide in at $899.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo estimates that iPhone ASP (that’s average sale price) is expected to rise by 15% in the iPhone 14 generation. Simply the removal of the $700 “mini” variant, replaced by a $900+ “iPhone 14 Max” model, would account for a large portion of this. It is also estimated that the Pro models, which cost more, will be big sellers this year, which raises the ASP.

iPhone 14 specs: What features will the next iPhone have?

One of the tech community’s favorite games is working out what improvements and innovations Apple will come up with each year for its new iPhones.

Apple tests many new technologies, but whether they make it into the iPhone or not has to do with a complicated web of technical feasibility, cost, availability of parts from suppliers, and more. Here are the strongest clues we have about the features and spec upgrades you may see in the iPhone 14.

ProMotion screens

The iPhone 13 is said to have 120Hz ProMotion displays on the Pro models, with panels made by Samsung, while the non-Pro variants will reportedly use regular 60Hz displays made by LG. With the iPhone 14, LG is said to be making LPTO OLED displays capable of 120Hz to supply the entire iPhone line.

So it’s possible that the entire iPhone 14 line will have 120Hz ProMotion technology, which would follow Apple’s natural cadence: bring a feature to the Pro model first and then follow with the rest of the line a year later.

Always-on display

While we’re on the subject of screen upgrades, what about the recurrent rumor that Apple is planning to give the iPhone an always-on display? Rather than turning off completely when you press the power button or leave the device idle for a few minutes, the screen would remain lit at all times, albeit–assuming Apple follows the same system it uses on the Apple Watch Series 5 and later–with a dimmer, simplified interface to preserve battery life.

This is an old perennial rumor, but it became particularly popular in 2021, when the feature was heavily rumored to appear on the iPhone 13. Although it failed to materialize that year, some pundits believe it has been delayed rather than abandoned, and that it could yet make an appearance this year.

So far, so vague. But things got more concrete at the end of May 2022, when knowledgeable leaker Mark Gurman nailed his colors to the mast with a specific prediction: iOS 16 includes a revamped, customizable lock screen with widgets, perfect for an always-on display. This change will not be available retrospectively to existing iPhones, Gurman says, but will be restricted to the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max only.

For more information about Apple’s plans for an always on display read: Will the iPhone get an always-on display?

Camera upgrades

Big changes are apparently coming to the iPhone’s camera in the iPhone 14. While the two lines are expected to retain the same setup—dual camera in the standard iPhone 14 and triple-camera in the iPhone 14 Pro—Apple is planning a big leap for the higher-end models. Leaked schematics show a massive camera bump on the Pro models, protruding 4.17mm from the back of the case for a total thickness of 12.02mm, about a milimeter thicker than the iPhone 13 Pro.

According to Kuo, Apple is said to be considering a 48MP sensor for the standard wide camera, which would combine the pixels’ light collection in a 2×2 grid when in a low-light situation (producing a 12MP photo). The camera would reportedly be capable of shooting 8K video, at least on the Pro models. Kuo also says the front camera will gain autofocus and a wider aperture (f/1.9 instead of f/2.2). A late leak claims the camera is amazing in bright light, but that Apple still has work to do for Night mode.

In April, a post on Weibo (via Macrumors) claimed that the wide camera sensor will be 20 percent larger than ‌iPhone 13 Pro. Together with the 48MP lens, that likely means the iPhone 14 Pro will take extremely detailed images in bright light while still relying on night mode to capture low-light images.

While the Pro models were previously rumored to include a “periscope” lens with variable zoom, the latest rumor says that feature won’t arrive until the 2023 iPhone (presumably the iPhone 15).

A16 processor

Every new iPhone has a new A-series system-on-chip (SoC) and we expect the iPhone 14 to follow suit. The A16, as it will likely be called, could be one of the first large-scale processor releases to use TSMC’s 3-nanometer manufacturing process, which should help improve performance, efficiency, and battery life. However, a report in November by The Information suggested Apple might stick with a 5nm process due to struggles with TSMC’s “cutting-edge manufacturing technique.”

You can read all about the new chip’s expected performance in our guide to the A16.

Furthermore, recent rumors suggest only the Pro models will get the newest chip, while the non-Pro models will the same version of the A15 found in the iPhone 13 Pro models. That would be a doubling-down of the strategy Apple introduced with the iPhone 13 generation, when the Pro models got a slightly different chip for the first time: their version of the A15 featured five rather than four GPU cores, and 6GB of RAM rather than 4GB. Nevertheless, it would be unprecedented for one of Apple’s new flagship iPhones to come with the previous year’s A-series chip.

This is likely to set a precedent for the future, too. Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted that “The latest processor chip will be exclusive to iPhone high-end models in the future, so a high shipment proportion of iPhone high-end models will be the norm.” As he notes, this is all part of a strategy to push more customers into buying the more expensive Pro models.

Improved battery life

Talking of battery performance, the Chinese-language site Economic Daily News believes the iPhone 14 will get a boost in this department thanks to improvements in 5G technology. The latest 5G components are smaller and more energy-efficient than the ones used in the previous generation of iPhones, freeing up space in the chassis and enabling Apple to fit in a larger battery. In June, a rumor from TheGalox on Twitter claimed that the iPhone 14 Pro will have a 3,200mAh battery (up from 3,095mAh in the iPhone 13 Pro) and the iPhone 14 Pro Max will have a 4,323mah battery (down very slightly from the 4,352 mAh in the iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Extra RAM

Apple is widely expected to upgrade the RAM allocation in its flagship iPhones, but there are two differing theories as to how it will do this.

Rumors from South Korea circulating in February 2022 suggested that Apple planned to bump the Pro and Pro Max handsets from 6GB of RAM in the 13-series generation to 8GB for the 14-series. The standard models, meanwhile, would jump from 4GB to 6GB.

A report from Trendforce in June 2022, however, claimed that all four new models will have 6GB of RAM; the Pro models, rather than gaining any more RAM, will instead be upgraded to feature faster LPDDR5 (versus LPDDR4X in the iPhone 14). This faster-RAM theory was backed up by a DigiTimes report in July 2022, and now appears to be the more likely to actually happen.

Up to 2TB of storage

Apple has only just broken the terabyte barrier, offering a cool 1TB as the top storage tier on the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max for the first time ever. But optimistic rumormongers think Apple will blast past that milestone and double up again to 2TB in 2022.

This theory is based on early testing activity at supplier partners. But we’re not entirely convinced.

mmWave 5G

iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models sold in the US offer mmWave (or millimetre wave) 5G, but elsewhere this form isn’t available. For instance, users in the UK rely on the slower sub-6GHz version of 5G, which US users get in addition to mmWave.

That may change with the iPhone 14. We reported back before the launch of the iPhone 13 that Apple had made a large order for mmWave antenna, which suggested that the UK and other countries would get faster 5G with the iPhone 13. But in the end the technology was kept a US-only option.

In April 2021 the analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that support for mmWave would be rolled out in far more countries as part of the launch of the iPhone 13 models. He mentioned Canada, Australia, Japan and “major European mobile operators,” which may include the UK. Maybe Kuo’s radar was slightly off, and mmWave will make its international debut in the iPhone 14 instead?

So, what’s the big deal with mmWave? Well, the theoretical maximum speed for mmWave is 1-2 gigabits per second, compared to the 100-400 megabits offered by Sub-6 GHz. However, Sub-6GHz offers a much longer range, which is to the benefit of users outside the big cities. We have a separate article where you can read about the 5G coverage problems faced by the iPhone in the UK.

We have a good idea, by the way, of the components Apple will use to provide this improved 5G connectivity, with the newly updated X65 expected to appear in the iPhone 14. This is interesting because it allows the use of mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G at the same time, and offers unprecedented speeds of up to 10Gb/s and even improved power efficiency.

Wi-Fi 6E

Wi-Fi 6E is similar to Wi-Fi 6, which the last three generations of iPhone already support. But it adds compatibility with the 6Hz band, increasing bandwidth, improving speeds and reducing interference.

According to a July 2021 report from the Taiwanese site DigiTimes, the late-2021 iPhones were thought to feature support for the new Wi-Fi 6E wireless standard. But this didn’t happen, suggesting that it could be one of the new features in the iPhone 14 range–and in November 2021 Ming-Chi Kuo gave this theory his backing.

DigiTimes wasn’t the first site to predict Wi-Fi 6E in iPhones, with Barclays analysts forecasting the same upgrade back in January 2021.

The death of the Lightning port

The idea that Apple will ditch the Lightning port on the iPhone and feature no ports at all has been rumored since before the iPhone 12 was launched. In this concept, rather than rely on cables for charging, all power would be delivered wirelessly. This would instantly render many accessories and power banks redundant, but Apple has never been shy about making unpopular decisions in the past. That could yet become a reality, but not in the near future.

In the meantime, a more likely option is that Apple will ditch Lightning and replace it with USB-C, as it’s already done on most of its iPads. The EU has been on the warpath for a while about proprietary charging standards, and a draft law forcibly standardizing smartphone ports was rumored in August 2021. This came a step closer in September 2021, when the EU Commission presented a bill to unify charging cables. This could legally oblige Apple to produce a USB-C iPhone for sale in Europe–or to base all its new iPhones on USB-C so as to avoid the production inefficiency of making more than one design.

Sure enough, Ming-Chi Kuo has now gone on record with a prediction that Apple will indeed switch from Lightning to USB-C on its iPhone, although this won’t happen until 2023. That means the iPhone 14 will have an Lightning port, but it will be the last iPhone to do so.

iPhone 15 and beyond

While many of these rumors look set to appear in the iPhone 14, it’s always tricky to guess where Apple will go next. So take this guide with a pinch of salt, as anything could happen over the months-long wait for the new device.

Bear in mind too that some planned changes or new features may slip and get pushed back to the next generation. For example, in terms of design, the evidence is piling up that Apple is working on something very radical: more radical indeed than the iPhone X.

An embryonic clamshell design currently known as the iPhone Flip is in development at Apple HQ. Prolific leaker Jon Prosser says it’s reminiscent of the Galaxy Z Flip, and will come in “fun colors.” But he also warns that it won’t launch in 2022, ruling out the iPhone 14.

The analysis company Omdia has also predicted that Apple will launch two foldable iPhone models in 2023. Our own Samuel Nyberg, however, thinks that Apple will not release a folding iPhone. Catch up on the latest rumors in our foldable iPhone news hub.

For a deeper dive into the future, read Samuel Nyberg’s analysis piece: The next 20 years of the iPhone.

iPhone 14 Release Date: Tips & Tricks

If you’re thinking about buying one of new iPhone 14 models later this year, there are some things you’ll want to do before the iPhone 14 release date arrives.

We’re still weeks away from Apple’s announcements, but there are some great reasons to start thinking about waiting for the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, and iPhone 14 Plus. Apple will apparently launch four new iPhones this year though it looks like it will axe the “Mini” model from its lineup.

The iPhone 14 series will reportedly have a variety of upgrades on board including a new processor, improved cameras, a hole-punch design, and a whole lot more.

We don’t have an official iPhone 14 launch date yet, but signs are pointing to an arrival in and around the usual dates in September.

One report claims Apple is currently targeting “week 37” for its fall event. If this is true, it means that Apple could announce the iPhone 14 series on September 13th. The company typically hosts its iPhone events on Tuesday. A leaker believes Apple will announce the iPhone 14 models on September 13th.

While it might seem like it’s a bit early to start prepping for the iPhone 14 release date, taking some steps ahead of time will ensure you’re fully prepared to buy one when the time comes.

Your research might even convince you to buy another iPhone model ahead of the iPhone 14 release or perhaps even buy a phone outside of Apple’s ecosystem.

In this guide we’ll take prospective iPhone 14 buyers through some steps to take in the summer ahead of Apple’s iPhone 14 release date.

Track iPhone 14 Rumors

If you’re interested in buying one of Apple’s 2022 iPhones, you’ll want to track the latest rumors as we push toward their release date.

Apple will do its best to keep iPhone 14 details under wraps, but leaks are inevitable. We’ve already seen numerous reports outline potential iPhone 14 features and we’ll see plenty more as the year goes on.

These rumors will fill in many of the blanks ahead of the iPhone 14 release date and they’ll help you set proper expectations as we get closer to Apple’s announcements.

In addition to keeping an eye out for hardware and software rumors, you’ll also want to keep your eyes peeled for release date and supply chain rumors.

Apple is reportedly taking steps to ensure it has enough stock to meet demand this fall, but we could see delays caused by issues in the supply chain.

We’ve heard the development of at least one iPhone 14 model is weeks behind schedule due to the lockdowns in China. As of right now it’s unclear how this might impact Apple’s launch.

Another report, from respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, states that Apple hasn’t “changed the shipping plan for the iPhone 14 models since the Shanghai lockdown.” He says the iPhone 14 Plus is currently running behind schedule, but that suppliers can work overtime to catchup to Apple’s schedule.

Kuo’s reiterated this stance in a newer note where he says “some iPhone 14 panel and memory suppliers have experienced supply issues, but it should have a limited impact on the coming mass production of the iPhone 14 because other suppliers can fill the supply gap.”

He also says the “iPhone 14 rear lenses likely suffered from coating-crack quality issues” but that these problems shouldn’t impact shipments.

As we approach September, Kuo says that while “some investors have recently worried that the mass production and shipment schedule of the iPhone 14 models may be affected by geopolitics,” his latest survey “indicates that there are currently no impacts on the supply chain of the iPhone 14 models.”

In June, Analyst Ross Young said iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max panel shipments are a month behind the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro (July vs. June).

In a more recent note, Young says production of the iPhone 14 Plus is still behind schedule and panel shipments are way behind where they should be. It’s unclear what this means for the device’s launch.

A report from Chinese outlet Sina Finance notes that Apple believes initial iPhone 14 sales will be higher than the iPhone 13. If true, we could see shipping dates get pushed back right out of the gate.

If rumors do start hinting at potential shortages, you might want to think about putting in a pre-order to avoid getting your new iPhone 14 much later in the year.

Keep an Eye on Your Upgrade Eligibility

If you’re planning to buy the iPhone 14 this fall, or even if you’re just interested, you’ll want to keep an eye on your upgrade status as we get closer to the fall.

If you aren’t eligible for an upgrade until September or later, you might not be able to buy your new iPhone 14 model right away.

That being said, carriers will sometimes bump your upgrade status so you’ll want to check in on it to see if anything changes in the buildup to Apple’s announcements.

Checking your current upgrade status is easy and only takes a few minutes. Here’s how to check your upgrade online at Sprint, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular.

Get Familiar with iOS 15 & iOS 16

If you’re currently using an iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5s, an older iPhone, or an Android phone, and you plan on upgrading to an iPhone 14 later this year, you’ll want to get familiar with the newest version of iOS.

Right now, the current version of iOS is iOS 15. If you own a newer iPhone model, you’ve probably already upgraded to the software and you can skip this step.

If you’re still using an older version of iOS or you’ll be moving from Android, use this time to get comfortable with iOS 15. You can start with our guide.

Apple’s confirmed iOS 16 for iPhone and it will be the software that powers the iPhone 14 series so it’ll be important to get familiar with that version of iOS as well. Fortunately, you don’t have to wait for the iPhone 14 release date to arrive to do that.

Apple’s pushed iOS 16 into beta testing and if you own an eligible device, you can download a pre-release version onto your iPhone.

If you prefer to keep your devices on stable software, you can follow iOS 16 from a distance. Either way, you’ll want to dig into the changes on board so that you’re comfortable with the iPhone 14’s software.

For more about the iOS 16 release, check out our guide.

Research iPhone Accessories

As we push toward the iPhone 14 release date, you should spend some time getting familiar with the best iPhone accessories. This way you’ll know exactly what to buy and how much to spend if you decide you want to pair your new phone with some extras.

We recommend reading reviews and digging into the best iPhone accessories before Apple makes its announcements. Some accessories could drastically alter how you use your new phone.

Make sure you get a feel for potential costs, dig into the pros and cons of each manufacturer, and find styles that appeal to you. That way you’ll be ready to go when Apple makes its announcements.

Figure Out How Much Storage You Need

Start thinking about how much storage you might want on your iPhone 14. Picking the correct amount of iPhone storage will help you save money and avoid headaches down the road.

While some of you will be perfectly fine with the least amount of storage, others will want the peace of mind that comes with having tons of internal space available.

We’ve heard that Apple might be making a change this year. The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are both rumored to start at 256GB instead of 128GB. Rumors have also hinted at a 2TB model but that doesn’t seem likely at this point.

Of course, there are some who believe Apple will keep the base models at 128GB. Analyst Jeff Pu, who at one time believed the iPhone 14 Pro models would start at 256GB, now believes they will stay at 128GB.

If you’re unsure about what you might need, take a look at our iPhone 13 storage guide.

Start Thinking About iPhone 14 Colors

Nothing is confirmed, but it looks like the full array of iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro color options has leaked. We recommend getting familiar with them. You may even want to pick a few favorites so that you’re ready to order once pre-orders begin.

iPhone 14 Plus/iPhone 14 Colors

Blue

Black (Midnight)

Purple

Red

White (Starlight)

Another leaker who has released accurate information in the past backs up this information though they say there will also be a green option.

iPhone 14 Pro/iPhone 14 Pro Max Colors

Graphite

Gold

Purple

Silver

The same leaker also backs up this information though they also say there will be a green option for the iPhone 14 Pro models as well.

Again, these may change, but this is what you should expect right now.

Look Into Other iPhones

Before you make the decision to buy an iPhone 14, you’ll want to get familiar with Apple’s current iPhone models. You might find an iPhone you really like at a price you love long before the iPhone 14 arrives on shelves.

First, we recommend taking a look at Apple’s current flagships which include the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro.

You’ll also want to look at the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. We also recommend having a look at the new iPhone SE 3.

Waiting for the iPhone 14 might seem like a good idea, but a lot of you might be better off buying another iPhone right now. If you do, you’ll be able to upgrade to an iPhone 14, or another phone, next year.

Look Into iPhone 14 Alternatives

We also recommend taking a look at the best iPhone 14 alternatives in the buildup to the release. You might find something you really like outside of Apple’s ecosystem.

There are a bunch of excellent iPhone alternatives out there, but here are a few of our current favorites:

Dig into these, and others if you need to, before you decide to wait for the iPhone 14 release date.

Make a Plan for Your Current Phone

If you plan to upgrade to a new iPhone 14 this year, make sure you have a plan for your current phone.

Some of you might know of a friend or relative who could make use of your current phone. Ask around and see if anyone might need a hand-me-down later this year. You might also look into donating your phone to charity.

If you plan on selling your current device to help offset the cost of your iPhone 14, you’ll want to dig into prices at popular resellers.

You’ll also want to keep your current phone in pristine condition because that’s how you’ll get the most money back from those resellers, your carrier, or Apple when iPhone 14 trade-in offers go live this fall.

The iPhone 14 is expected to start at the same $799 price point as last year’s iPhone 13 while the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max could become more expensive.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the price of the Pro models could jump by about 15%. If that happens, we could see a $100+ increase from last year.

Research AppleCare

If you’re planning to buy the iPhone 14, you’ll probably want to protect your investment.

New iPhones come with a standard warranty, but Apple’s AppleCare is an extended warranty service that delivers far better support.

If you aren’t familiar with AppleCare’s benefits, you should research them when you have time. You should also look into AppleCare alternatives.

You’ll be able to add AppleCare to your bag during the checkout process when you purchase your new device. You can also buy it later if you decide to wait.

Research Carriers

If you’re unhappy with your current provider’s coverage or data plan, use this time to dig into competitors and see if you can find a better fit for your new phone.

Each carrier has its pros and cons, but you might find one that stands out. If you’re interested in switching carriers, make sure you shop around before you settle.

5 Reasons to Wait for the iPhone 14 & 7 Reasons Not To

iPhone 14: News, Price, Release Date, Specs, and Rumors

Don't worry: The iPhone 14 is coming; Apple won't want to miss a holiday sales opportunity. It's still a ways away, but an early rumor is four new iPhone 14 models will arrive later this year, including a higher-end model without a notch and one that's $900 with a 6.7-inch screen.

Could it look like this: iPhone 14 Pro Max renders from Jon Prosser. Front Page Tech | Renders by Ian

When Will the iPhone 14 Be Released?

It's common for iPhones to be released in the fall. It's when the iPhone 13 was announced and began shipping out.

Release Date Estimate Our money is on the month of September. Past iPhone release dates point to something of a pattern we can assume will repeat, and that timeframe fits with Apple's usual holiday marketing campaign timing. iDrop News' sources point to a September 13 event that will reveal the 2022 iPhone, but a more recent tip from Max Weinbach predicts around September 6.

iPhone 14 Price Rumors

One piece of reliable information about the price of this phone is from esteemed analyst and leaker Ming-Chi Kuo, who says that the 6.7-inch model is expected to be under $900. This is interesting, if true, since the iPhone 13 Pro Max, which is also 6.7 inches, starts at $1,099.

Since two 6.7-inch models are expected, one could be called iPhone 14 Pro Max and the other iPhone 14 Max, or something similar to indicate that it's larger than the 6.1-inch versions.

We've also seen the below pricing structure, from Front Page Tech, and yet a different set spotted by Forbes, so we're just not sure yet:

iPhone 14 Pro Max: $1199

$1199 iPhone 14 Max: $899

$899 iPhone 14 Pro: $1099

$1099 iPhone 14: $799

Pre-Order Information

Apple will most likely begin pre-orders shortly after announcing the new iPhone. Keep an eye out for an update on the release date above so that you can get in on the iPhone 14 pre-order as early as possible.

iPhone 14 Features

It's too early to speculate too much on most of this phone's features, beyond the fact that it'll ship out running iOS 16. The rumor that the Mini model will not be available is becoming louder.

Here are some concept photos depicting what the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max might look like running iOS 16:

Some leakers and insiders are saying we could see:

A front that looks far different from current iPhone models

Hole and pill-shaped cutouts for camera and sensor

Very, very thin bezels

A flat-frame body identical to the iPhone 13

A speaker grill identical to the iPhone 13

Volume buttons identical to the iPhone 13

Front camera's upgrade to auto focus (vs fixed focus)

A SIM tray, not an eSIM

The A16 chip in Pro models only

Take a look at this video to see what ZoneofTECH thinks about the changes that we're now starting to think are actually happening.

One other feature we might see in this phone, according to The Wall Street Journal, is car crash detection with automatic 911 calling. Apple apparently plans to introduce this for the 2022 iPhone and Apple Watch.

Crash detection uses data from sensors built into Apple devices including the accelerometer to detect car accidents as they occur, for instance by measuring a sudden spike in gravity, or “g,” forces on impact.

We'll keep this page updated as other details emerge the closer we get to its release.

Ming-Chi Kuo believes we'll see four sizes, but unlike previous years, there won't be a mini. Instead, Apple will presumably release the following: iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Max, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14.

We believe the growth drivers for the new 2H22 iPhones will come from 1) the potential for under-display fingerprint support (using Apple’s own technology), 2) the lowest price ever for a large (6.7″) iPhone (we expect it to be under USD 900), and 3) a wide camera upgrade to 48MP for high-end models.

Kuo later updated his assessment in September 2021, saying that Apple is delaying in-display Touch ID until 2023. Maybe it will arrive in the iPhone 15, though some rumors point to Apple no longer working on under-display Touch ID. Time will tell.

9To5Mac reported in early 2021 that Kuo believes the iPhone 14 will adopt a punch-hole display design. It's unknown yet if all four models will get this treatment, but he claims at least the higher-end, Pro models will.

A rendering from 91mobiles of how the iPhone 14 might look. 91mobiles

A notch-less display is shown in recent renders of the phone based on leaks obtained by Front Page Tech. Some rumors, however, say Apple will wait a year, making the iPhone 15 be the first iPhone without a notch—this is what the 91mobiles render above seems to suggest.

Some renders show the iPhone 14 with round volume buttons while others, such as 91mobiles rendering, do not. If round, this would be different from the iPhone 12's long, rectangular controls.

iPhone 14 Specs and Hardware

The iPhone 13 was the first iPhone to offer 1 TB models, so this will most likely be an option with the iPhone 14, too. We might even have some 2 TB options, but don't expect to see that for a few years.

This might also be the year the iPhone goes entirely port-less. Whether this is what the majority want is another question, but a fully wireless iPhone will probably make its way into our homes at some point, and it could very well start with the iPhone 14.

That said, the renders presented above do show the standard Lightning connector at the bottom like other iPhones, so this is unlikely (assuming the renders are accurate).

Something interesting to note about ports: in mid-2022, the European Commission announced a mandate for USB-C to be the standard port for smartphones. This won't need to apply to iPhone 14 since the rule doesn't start until fall 2024, but it could for any upcoming iPhone, depending on if/when they want to get ahead of it and start rolling out USB-C phones.

Either that, or it will go entirely portless. In other words, iPhone 14 could mark the beginning of something significant: the last iPhone with a Lightning connector, or the first without a physical charge port at all.

There's no official word yet on how this phone will look, but chances are it'll resemble the current models in most ways. One exception we've heard, in addition to the punch-hole display, is that the high-end models will have a titanium allow chassis.

The A16 Bionic chip in the iPhone 14 will, according to MacRumors, be based on a 4nm process. For comparison, the iPhone 13 uses an A15 Bionic chip on the 5nm process, the same process as the iPhone 12.

As described by TSMC (Apple's chip making partner), 4nm/N4P is "a performance-focused enhancement of the 5-nanometer technology platform" that will allow Apple to "have multiple and compelling choices for power, performance, area, and cost for its products."

This iPhone is also expected to feature Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.

Frequent leaker, who goes by ShrimpApplePro on Twitter, shares the battery capacity of every iPhone 14 model, but notes they are unconfirmed:

iPhone 14: 3279 mAh

iPhone 14 Max: 4325 mAh

iPhone 14 Pro: 3200 mAh

iPhone 14 Pro Max: 4323 mAh

The same tipster provides the schematic of the iPhone 14 Pro Max:

The Latest News About the iPhone 14

You can get more smartphone news from Lifewire, but here are other related stories and some rumors we've found about the iPhone 14 specifically: