Apple's 2022 smartphone lineup could have a notable addition, as numerous leaks have revealed that the iPhone 14 Max is in the works.
Longtime Apple fans might be able to guess what this is just from the name, but here's a closer look at what we've heard so far.
We'll also be watching to see if this applies to the iPhone Mini, with reports suggesting the iPhone 14 Max could replace the iPhone 14 Mini.
What is the iPhone 14, Max?
The iPhone 14 Max is rumored to be a larger version of the iPhone 14, or in other words, a lower-end version of the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
So, just as the iPhone 14 could be the same size as the iPhone 14 Pro, albeit with less tech, the iPhone 14 Max could be the same size as the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Specifically, it will likely have a 6.7-inch OLED screen, and it will also likely have the same resolution as the iPhone 14 Pro Max (probably 1284 x 2778, since that's the screen resolution of the iPhone 13 Pro Max).
So what's the difference between the Max and the Pro Max? One big difference could be the refresh rate, with sources saying the iPhone 14 Max will have a 60Hz display, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max will almost certainly have a 120Hz refresh rate.
However, we've heard that Apple is at least considering 120Hz screens for both phones, so they could end up with essentially the same screens.
A bigger potential difference between the two is the design, which the iPhone 14 Max believes is essentially the same range as the iPhone 13 design, with a grade, while many leaks suggest the iPhone 14 Pro Max will have a new look with a grade of perforated cameras.
That may be the only significant difference, as at least one report suggests that both phones will have three-lens cameras (though the camera specs may differ). Based on past form, Pro mode may end up with slightly more power, but that's just speculation for now.
Will this replace the iPhone 14 Mini?
So far, sources say we won't be releasing an iPhone 14 Mini, but an iPhone 14 Max instead.
That said, despite what several leakers say, the iPhone 14 series leaks are still in their early stages, so anything could happen before the launch (possibly in September 2022).
There is still a chance that an iPhone 14 Mini, or a replacement for the iPhone 14 Max, or an iPhone 14 Max at the same time, but we doubt it.
In addition to the leaks and rumors, we can also take a look at the sales figures, which reportedly show the mini selling worse than the rest of the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 series.
While not much is known about the iPhone 13 Mini's performance, the iPhone 12 Mini accounted for just 5% of total iPhone 12 series sales in the first half of January, according to Counterpoint, with other reports showing similarly low numbers.
Not only that but Apple is rumored to release the iPhone SE 3 in 2022, a device with a 4.7-inch screen that could appeal to fans of smaller phones.
So while we can't completely rule out a Mini, we're skeptical we'll see a new one — but with the iPhone SE 3 out, that doesn't mean you can't get your hands on a new small-screen iPhone.
