No sooner have Android manufacturers flocked to the altar of ‘notch’ that Apple is rumoured to making plans for life without it.
According to Korean outlet ET News, the company has discovered how to implement a full-screen iPhone without the need for a cut-out for housing the cameras and sensors.
Judging by the report, the change will come into effect in 2019, meaning this year’s iPhone release(s) will retain the controversial design feature.
“Apple decided to get rid of notch design starting from 2019 models and is having discussions with relevant companies.” an ‘industry representative’ is quoted as saying in the report.
“It seems that Apple is planning to implement full-screen that is more complete to its new iPhones.”
How Apple plans to do it remains to be seen. The development of features like Face ID has required a greater number of sensors rather than fewer.
Recently, some firms have touted pop-up selfie camera lenses, but that’s far too gimmicky for Apple’s tastes.
Recent patents have also explained how a sensor could be housed within displays themselves, only revealing themselves when required.
ET News speculates Apple would seek to drill holes in the OLED panels, or use so-called Black Matrix areas within the displays.
Android copycats
A number of Android phone manufacturers have adopted the notch. The most illustrious copycat to date is the ASUS Zenfone 5, revealed at Mobile World Congress late last month.
However, rumours are rife LG, Huawei and OnePlus are also planning to implement similar designs with their 2017 flagships.
The forthcoming Android P operating system is even designed with the new display craze in mind.
