After using a new flat-sided design on its iPad Pro tablets for two generations, Apple may be planning to bring that look to its flagship iPhone models.
The 5G iPhones coming later this year will reportedly have flat stainless steel edges similar to the current iPad Pro design. Sources speaking to Bloomberg add that the phones will have flat screens rather than curved edges like the iPhone 11 Pro, and that the highest end model will have a display that's slightly larger than the 6.5-inch screen on the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
Apple is working to reduce the size of the notch on this year's upcoming phones, too. Looking ahead, Apple is said to be working on eliminating the notch altogether, but it sounds like it'll still be around on this year's models.
The highest end 5G model for this year, the successor to the iPhone 11 Pro Max, is also said to have a screen that's slightly larger than the 6.5-inch display on the 11 Pro Max.
Also said to be in the works are two lower-end models that will replace the iPhone 11. They're expected to stick with two rear cameras, just like last year's iPhone 11.
Meanwhile, the higher-end 5G iPhones will reportedly have three rear cameras and will get the LIDAR system found on the newest iPad Pro models for improved augmented reality.
Apple's new phones are also expected to receive processor upgrades that focus on speeding up AI and AR.
Apple has been using the same design for its flagship iPhone models for a few years now. With the launch of the iPhone X in 2017, its high-end phones have had rounded edges made of stainless steel. Because that design is now a few years old, it makes sense that Apple would want to move to a new design to breathe some new life and excitement into its flagship phones.
It's already got a new design with its iPad Pro tablets and their flat-sided design, and it's had a couple years of making them to perfect that design. Plus, that could make this year's 5G iPhones look similar to the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5, which could help make the 5G iPhones more popular because those older iPhone designs are very well liked.
Apple is also said to be working on a couple of new accessories. A new, smaller HomePod is reportedly coming in the second half of this year. It's expected to be half the size of the current HomePod and will likely have a cheaper starting price than the $299.99 HomePod.
Also purportedly due sometime this year are Apple Tags, which are thing and small puck-shaped devices that you can attach to an object to help you find it. These trackers are expected to launch with a leather sleeve and a keychain to make it easy to attach them to objects.
