iPhone 14 Series Leaks and Rumors: Everything We Know About Apple’s 2022 Lineup

Rumors about the 2022 iPhone series have been around long before the iPhone 13 models were released. While Apple has kept quiet as always about the next big iPhone, we’ve been seeing more and more leaks and reveals for the iPhone 14 series as we we are approaching a probable fall release.

Leaker and Front Page Tech creator Jon Prosser famously leaked the iPhone 14 just days before Apple announced the iPhone 13 series, but it didn’t start there. Renowned Apple analyst and industry insider Ming-Chi Kuo has been giving investors reports on the 2020 iPhone series since at least April 2021.

A lot of information has surfaced about the upcoming iPhone 14 models at the moment, and we expect some significant changes such as a new phone size, a notch-less display, an A16 chip, and a notch-less rear camera. If you’d like to know more about what makes the 2022 iPhone different, we’ve got the answers below.

arrangement

There have been some specific rumors about naming schemes for the 2022 iPhone. Kuo expects Apple to drop the 5.4-inch iPhone mini. A new report from 9to5Mac says that Apple will effectively be ditching the mini version of the device. Instead, Kuo expects Apple to add an “iPhone Max”variant with another 6.7-inch screen.

We can expect Apple to keep the other naming schemes intact, and we’ll use those names for the rest of this article.

iPhone 14 (6.1 inches)
iPhone 14 Max (6.7 inches)
iPhone 14 Pro (6.1 inches)
iPhone 14 Pro Max (6.7 inches)

The new iteration of the iPhone 14 Max will likely have the same features as the standard iPhone 14, but with a bigger screen. Basically, this phone is a direct replacement for the iPhone mini, since the mini phone has reportedly performed poorly.

Safety

Apple removed Touch ID in favor of Face ID starting with the iPhone X in November 2017, but there have been rumors that all iPhone 14 models – or just 14 Max models – will include both biometric systems. However, Kuo denied the rumor and said we likely won’t see a Touch ID/Face ID combo until 2023 with the iPhone 15 series.

In addition, Face ID may still not be under the screen, but instead will have a small pill-shaped cutout for the infrared scanner.

Touch ID: no
Face ID: yes

body design

This year, we expect Apple to clean up the current iPhone design by removing some of the inconveniences, mainly the notch and rear camera bump.

The notch on the iPhone has been around since the iPhone X, and many buyers wanted Apple to remove it. In response, the iPhone 14 series is expected to be the first iPhone without a notch. Instead, the smartphone may have a punch hole for the front camera. However, according to Apple leaker DylanDKT, Apple will introduce a pill-shaped cutout to replace the front camera and ambient light sensor. Other rumors point to a combination of a hole punch for the camera and a tablet shape for the light sensors.

According to some rumors, the iPhone 14 and 14 Max will keep the notch, but the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max will have a display without a notch.

Another major update is that Prosser expects the iPhone 14 series to remove the large camera bump on the back of the phone, which is getting bigger every year.

Notch: Only for iPhone 14, 14 Max
No notch: iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max only (Punch hole, pill cutout, or both)
Camera bump: no

The next iPhone may have two holes for the camera and infrared scanner.

Apple reintroduced the square frame iPhone with the iPhone 12 series in October 2020. The iconic look takes us back to the days of the iPhone 4 and 5 series. Apple introduced crisp curves with the iPhone 6 and didn’t abandon that design until the iPhone 12 models.

Most of the leaks suggest that Apple will keep the square bezel from the iPhone 14. However, according to Prosser, Apple will also change the side volume buttons to a more round shape.

Design: Box-shaped frame similar to the iPhone 12 and 13 series.
Colors: unknown colors
Volume buttons: round

materials

Apple has been using a stainless steel or aluminum frame since the introduction of the iPhone. According to Prosser and an investor report from JP Morgan Chase, we expect Apple to adopt a high-quality titanium alloy case design on the iPhone 14 series.

Titanium has its pros and cons. Titanium, for example, is slightly harder than aluminum, making it more scratch resistant, and makes up about 40% of the weight of stainless steel. However, fingerprints remain on titanium, making it unattractive to consumers. To solve this problem, according to a patent discovered by Patently Apple, Apple is working on an anti-fingerprint oxide film coating.

Stainless Steel Frame: Only for iPhone 14, 14 Max.
Stainless steel frame coating: physical vapor deposition (PVD) process
Titanium Frame: Only for iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
Titanium Frame Coating: anti-fingerprint oxide film
Back: glass
Front: Corning Ceramic Shield glass
Front Coating: Oleophobic Process, Fingerprint Resistant

Display

Last year, Apple introduced a low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) display for the iPhone 13 Pro models. Apple calls this display its ProMotion Display, which allows the company to add variable refresh rates, including 24Hz to 120Hz. Apple has decided not to include LTPO on the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini. However, we expect this to change with the iPhone 14 series.

Apple analyst Jeff Pu suggests that all iPhone 14 series smartphones will include LTPO and variable refresh rates.

Screen size: 6.1 inch for iPhone 14, 14 Pro; 6.7 inch for iPhone 14 Max, iPhone 14 Pro Max
Display type: OLED, Super Retina XDR
Display backplane: LTPO
promotion: yes
Refresh Rate: Variable, 24Hz-120Hz
Screen resolution: 2532 by 1170 (iPhone 14, 14 Pro); 2778 by 1284 (iPhone 14 Max, 14 Pro Max)
Pixel Density: 460 (iPhone 14, 14 Pro); 458 dpi (iPhone 14 Max, 14 Pro Max)
3D Touch: no
Tactile touch: yes
HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG
Minimum brightness: unknown
Typical maximum brightness: 800 nits (iPhone 14, 14 Max); 1000 (iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max)
Maximum HDR brightness: 1200 nits
Contrast ratio: 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio (typical)
Screen-to-body ratio: probably 86% (iPhone 14, 14 Pro); probably 87.4% (iPhone 14 Max, 14 Pro Max)
Aspect ratio: 19.5:9
Color temperature: unknown
Notch: See Design section above.

cameras

Last year, the cameras on all four variations of the iPhone 12 received very reasonable upgrades. However, several different sources, including Kuo, TrendForce, and Pu, supported Apple’s idea of a major upgrade to the camera system on the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max.

rear camera

The rear cameras of the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max are rumored to be upgraded to 48 megapixels from the current 12 megapixels. Through a process called pixel binning, the new cameras will use 48 megapixels in bright light conditions and 12 megapixels in low light conditions. This process is already available in the Samsung S21 Ultra.

Kuo also expects Pro cameras to record video up to 8K.

However, a newer report from well-known insider It’s Fat says that we won’t see a camera upgrade. Instead, we’ll see the same 12MP camera system as the iPhone 13 Pro. Apple has used 12-megapixel rear cameras on all iPhone models since the iPhone 6s.

For photos:

Resolution (iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max): Probably 48 MP (in bright light conditions), 12 MP (in low light conditions), but possibly as low as 12 MP (in all conditions)
Resolution (iPhone 14, 14 Max): most likely 12 MP in all conditions
Aperture: unknown
Optical zoom: probably 3x for iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max only
Optical zoom: likely 2x
Digital zoom: up to 5x (for iPhone 14, 14 Max); up to 15x (for 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max)
Flash: True Tone flash with slow sync
Image Stabilization: Optical image stabilization with sensor shift
RAW support: Apple ProRAW for 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max only
Lens cap: most likely sapphire crystal
Object detection: probable bodies, faces
Formats: HEIF, JPEG (for all models); Apple ProRAW (for 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max)
HDR: Smart HDR 4
Portrait lighting: yes, with six effects
Night mode: yes
Night mode portraits: iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max only.
Panorama: yes
Prefilters: Photographic Styles
Other: Burst Mode, Geotagging, Red-Eye Correction, Lens Correction (Ultra Wide Angle), Wide Color Capture for Photos and Live Photos, Deep Fusion, 100% Focus Pixels (Wide Angle)

For video:

Resolutions: 720p, 1080p, 4K, HDR with Dolby Vision (for all models); 8K (for iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max)
Resolution 720p: 30fps
HD 1080p resolution: 25fps, 30fps, 60fps
4K Resolution: 24fps, 25fps, 30fps, 60fps
8K resolution: up to 30fps (iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max only)
HDR with Dolby Vision: up to 4K at 60 fps
ProRes: Up to 4K@30fps (iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max only)
Slow motion: 1080p at 120 or 240 fps.
Interval shooting: yes, with stabilization and night mode
Lidar Scanner: For iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max only
Photo: 8-megapixel stills in 4K recording
Optical zoom: 3x zoom for iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max only.
Optical zoom: 2x
Digital zoom: up to 9x (for iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max); up to 3x (for iPhone 14, 14 Max)
Quick reception: yes
Flash: True Tone flash with slow sync
Image Stabilization: Optical image stabilization with sensor shift for video
Lens cap: most likely sapphire crystal
Object detection: probable bodies, faces
Audio: stereo with audio zoom
Formats: H.264, H.265 HEVC (for all models); ProRes (for iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max)
Other: Probable playback zoom, continuous autofocus, extended dynamic range up to 60 fps.

Front camera

We don’t expect any changes with the TrueDepth front camera.

Type: true depth
Resolution (photo): 12 MP
Resolution (video): likely 1080p and 4K
720p resolution (video): 30fps
HD 1080p resolution (video): 25 fps, 30 fps, 60 fps
4K resolution (video): 24fps, 25fps, 30fps, 60fps
8K resolution (video): hardly
HDR with Dolby Vision (video): up to 4K@60fps
ProRes (video): up to 4K@30fps (iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max only)
Cinematic Mode (Video): 1080p@30fps
Slow motion (video): up to 1080p at 120 fps
Aperture: most likely ƒ/2.2
Scale: unknown
Quick reception: yes
Flash: Retina Flash
Image Stabilization (Video): Cinematic Video Stabilization
HDR (photo): Smart HDR 4
Portrait mode: yes, with improved bokeh and depth control
Portrait lighting: yes, with six effects
Night mode: yes
RAW support: Apple ProRAW (iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max only)
Object detection: probable bodies, faces, winks, tongues
Formats (photo): HEIF, JPEG (for all models); Apple ProRAW (for iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max)
Formats (video): H.264, H.265 HEVC (for all models); Apple ProRes (for iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max)
Single shooting: yes, with night mode
Prefilters: Photographic Styles
Augmented Reality Features: Animoji, Memoji
Other: Likely burst mode, Deep Fusion, lens correction, wide color capture for photos and Live Photos, extended dynamic range for video up to 30 fps.

CPU

Every year a new iPhone comes with an improved processor, and in the iPhone 14 series, we expect to see the A16 Bionic chip.

However, according to Kuo, we may see the A15 Bionic chip remain in the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max. 9to5Mac expands on this idea by saying that Apple may call this new chip the A15X Bionic chip.

We expect Apple to build the new A16 Bionic chip based on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC)’s “NP4 process”, also called the 4nm process. The new method takes up less physical space, has improved performance, and improves energy efficiency.

As for the GPU, last year Apple upgraded it to five cores. However, the standard iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini have the fifth core disabled. 9to5Mac says that Apple will enable this fifth core for all iPhone 14 models in the A16 Bionic and A15X Bionic chips.

Some rumors from Kuo in 2021 also suggest we’ll see a new vapor chamber thermal system. The new thermal system is designed to cool devices under high loads. It is not known if this feature will be implemented in the 2022 iPhone. This system is already being used by Samsung, Sony, Razer and LG in new flagship phones. A similar system was used in the 2021 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros.

Processor: A16 Bionic (iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max), A15X Bionic (iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Max)
Chip size: probably 4nm
Processor frequency: unknown
CPU cores: 6 cores (2 high performance, 4 power efficient)
System cache: 32 MB
GPU: Designed by Apple (Model Unknown)
GPU cores: 5 cores
NPU cores: 16 cores
Cooling system: Vapor chamber cooling system available

Connection

Apple updated the iPhone to support Wi-Fi 6 in September 2019 with the release of the iPhone 11. As the Wi-Fi 6E standard begins to be widely supported by routers, many hope that the next iPhone will add support for Wi-Fi 6E, and according to Kuo, we can expect Apple to introduce Wi-Fi 6E connectivity in iPhone 14 models.

Wi-Fi 6E adds support for an extra bandwidth called 6 GHz. This band allows more radio channels to be used with less interference and low latency, improving Wi-Fi performance.

Wi-Fi: most likely Wi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth: 5.0
NFC: yes, with read mode
Spatial awareness: ultra-wideband chip
Port: Lightning, although USB-C is possible
Other: iBeacon microlocation, AirPlay, AirDrop
Transit: Express cards with power reserve

Apple added a 5G modem to the iPhone in October 2020. The iPhone 12 modem was one of the best on the market, the Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 5G Modem-RF system.

In iPhone 13, Apple updated the modem to the updated Qualcomm Snapdragon X60 5G Modem-RF system. The new Snapdragon X60 modem includes aggregated support for high and mid frequencies. This support improved 5G performance and improved battery life. Since then, however, 5G technology has advanced significantly.

While we don’t expect Apple to use its own 5G modem just yet, the company will likely move to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X65 5G Modem-RF system. This modem is the first 10 Gigabit 5G modem and antenna system to deliver improved battery efficiency and improved coverage across all 5G frequencies. In addition, it supports all commercial high frequency (mmWave) frequencies, including the latest n259 band (41 GHz).

The most significant upgrade of the new modem is support for satellite communications in emergencies. This feature will allow users to send emergency messages via satellite instead of cellular or Wi-Fi signals, allowing users in remote areas to receive emergency assistance immediately. According to 9to5Mac, Apple uses the feature’s internal codename “Stewie”.

Along with short messages, users will be able to send their location, medical ID, and alerts to emergency contacts with these messages, according to Apple influencer and analyst Mark Gurman. Messages will be displayed in gray instead of blue or green.

Cellular modem: Snapdragon X65 5G Modem-RF System
Emergency satellite link: likely
LTE: Gigabit LTE with 4×4 MIMO
5G: 10 Gigabit 5G sub-6 GHz and mmWave
Spatial awareness: ultra-wideband chip

As far as SIM technology goes, Apple is including a physical SIM slot in its current iPhone lineup. You can also connect your iPhone to the network using an eSIM if you don’t have a physical carrier SIM card. Unlikely, physical SIM support may change with the release of iPhone 14.

Some rumors claim that Apple wants to remove the SIM card slot from the iPhone. However, other sources state that it will be an option, but not for all iPhone models.

Charging/data port

There are so many rumors about the current port of Lightning. Ever since Apple introduced MagSafe with the iPhone 12 and removed the headphone jack in 2016, there have been rumors about the possibility of completely removing Apple ports. An FCC document found by MacRumors states that the Apple Watch Series 7 has a 60.5GHz data link, confirming that Apple is working on making the iPhone portless. In addition, since the European Union requires all smartphones to use a USB-C port, rumors have spread about the possibility of using USB-C in an iPhone.

However, other than this circumstantial evidence, we don’t have any rumors or leaks proving that Apple will change the port. If we see any changes, at least one device will likely retain the Lightning port.

And while there are no sources to confirm this, we can expect Apple to continue to improve its MagSafe charging technology.

Charging/data port: Lightning, but USB-C possible
Wireless charging: Qi standard (up to 7.5W)
MagSafe wireless charging: up to 15W
Wired charging: up to 20W with USB-C or USB PD cable
Fast charging: wired with 20W or higher adapter; wireless with MagSafe 15W charger

Battery

We have seen a massive battery upgrade in the iPhone 13 series. For example, the iPhone 13 Pro Max has a 4352 mAh battery compared to the 3687 mAh battery in the iPhone 12 Pro Max. So it’s only natural that we’re looking for a similar update in this year’s iPhone.

Authoritative whistleblower Ross Young has stated that we may see another battery upgrade. However, he does not say how much more.

Battery: rechargeable lithium-ion
Capacity: Same or larger than iPhone 13 series

Storage Options

Last year, we saw Apple add a 1TB option to the iPhone 13 Pro models. This sets the stage for rumors to spread about another storage option. While there are no reliable leaks about it, we expect this variant to be the 2TB version for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max if the rumor is true.

However, Apple analyst Pu believes that Apple will launch the 14 Pro models with 256 GB. Interestingly, he says Apple will launch two regular 64GB iPhone 14 models on the same note.

iPhone 14: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB (64GB also possible)
iPhone 14 Max: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB (64GB also possible)
iPhone 14 Pro: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (2TB is also possible, which will likely replace the 128GB model)
iPhone 14 Pro Max: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (2TB is also possible, which will likely replace the 128GB model)

RAM

In 2020, Apple increased the amount of RAM in the iPhone 12 Pro models to 6 GB, but decided to leave the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini at 4 GB. It was the same with the iPhone 13 models last year.

According to Kuo, we will likely see 6GB of RAM per device in the iPhone 14 series. However, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max will get the LPDDR 5 RAM upgrade, while the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max will retain the LPDDR 4x from the iPhone 13.

LPDDR stands for Low Power Double Data Rate. This type of RAM is used in mobile phones and many other laptops. LPDDR 5 delivers 1.5x faster RAM than LPDDR 4x with the ability to use slightly less power

Some rumors suggest that Apple plans to upgrade all models with an additional 2GB. However, Pu disagrees, saying that due to changes in supply, only two non-professional models will receive the update.

iPhone 14: 6GB LPDDR 4x
iPhone 14 Max: 6 GB LPDDR 4x
iPhone 14 Pro: 6 GB LPDDR 5 (although 8 GB is possible)
iPhone 14 Pro Max: 6 GB LPDDR 5 (although 8 GB is possible)

Audio

There are no reliable sound rumors, so it will most likely be the same as in the iPhone 13 series.

3.5mm headphone jack: no
Stereo speakers: yes
Microphones: three total (rear, front and bottom)
Maximum speaker volume: unknown

Sensors

As with audio, the sensors will likely be the same as those found on the iPhone 13 series.

Sensors: GPS, barometer, accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, proximity sensor, barometer, digital compass, Face ID (probably also Touch ID, though more likely on the iPhone 15 series)

Software

Apple always ships its new iPhones with the latest version of the company’s iOS. In this case, it will be iOS 16, which is currently in development. Third-party developers will likely get the iOS 16 preview in June when WWDC takes place, with the public getting access to the beta soon after.

Software: iOS 16

There will also be support for FaceTime video calls over Wi-Fi or cellular, FaceTime audio, Voice over LTE (VoLTE), Wi-Fi calling, full support for Siri and Apple Pay. Various language options, a QuickType keyboard, auto-correction, predictive input, multilingual input, QuickPath, Siri, dictation, dictionaries, and spell check will also be available.

Media formats

The following audio files are most likely supported: AAC-LC, HE-AAC, HE-AAC v2, Protected AAC, MP3, Linear PCM, Apple Lossless, FLAC, Dolby Digital (AC-3), Dolby Digital Plus (E-AC-3), Dolby Atmos and Audible (formats 2, 3, 4, Audible Enhanced Audio, AAX and AAX+). There will also be spatial audio playback and a user-configurable maximum volume limit.

Video playback support likely includes HEVC, H.264, MPEG-4 Part 2 and Motion JPEG, as well as High Dynamic Range with Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG content.

There will likely be support for AirPlay up to 4K HDR for mirroring, photos, and videos on Apple TV 2nd generation or later, and AirPlay 2-enabled smart TVs. Video mirroring and video output will support resolutions up to 1080p via digital AV adapters Lightning and Lightning to VGA adapters.

Basics

The design of the iPhone 14 is similar to last year (at least three models), so there won’t be much change. As we learn more, we will update these measurements. We also don’t expect the water resistance rating to change.

iPhone 14 height: 5.78 inches (146.7 mm)
iPhone 14 Width: 2.82 inches (71.5 mm)
Depth iPhone 14: 0.30 inches (7.65 mm)
iPhone 14 weight: unknown

iPhone 14 Maximum height: 6.33 inches (160.8 mm)
iPhone 14 Maximum width: 3.07 inches (78.1 mm)
iPhone 14 Max Depth: 0.30″(7.65mm)
iPhone 14 Max weight: unknown

iPhone 14 Pro Height: 5.78 inches (146.7 mm)
iPhone 14 Pro Width: 2.82 inches (71.5 mm)
iPhone 14 Pro Depth: 0.30″(7.65mm)
iPhone 14 Pro weight: unknown

iPhone 14 Pro Max Height: 6.33 inches (160.8 mm)
iPhone 14 Pro Max Width: 3.07 inches (78.1 mm)
iPhone 14 Pro Max Depth: 0.30″(7.65mm)
iPhone 14 Pro Max weight: unknown

Dust/Waterproof: IP68 (maximum depth 6 meters up to 30 minutes) in accordance with IEC 60529
Mobile carriers: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon

Environmental requirements have not changed since the release of iPhone 7 models. No changes are expected.

Operating Temperature: 32° to 95°F
Non-Operating Temperature: -4° to 113°F
Relative Humidity: 5-95% non-condensing.
Operating altitude: up to 10,000 feet (may be more)

Prices

While we don’t usually get any price leaks, we can make some educated guesses. We expect the three phones that keep the same naming scheme to stay at the same price. We expect the new 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Max to be $100 more than the standard iPhone 14. Also, if we see a 2TB variant, we can expect that version to be $200 more than the 1TB variant. TB.

Some sketchy leaks are reporting that the iPhone could increase the prices of the iPhone 14. However, until we see someone reputable confirm the leak, you should take this with a grain of salt. The leak suggests a price hike on the Pro models to cover the cost of new upgrades such as under-screen Face ID hardware, under-screen Touch ID, and a new camera system.

Prices are subject to change if Apple doesn’t offer the same storage size.

AppleCare+

In addition, buyers can expect the same one-year limited warranty and 90-day technical support as the iPhone 13. You can extend this one-year warranty and get insurance coverage, hardware coverage, 24/7 priority access, and express replacement for AppleCare+ for two years. For an additional fee, you can get theft and loss coverage.

If you want to get AppleCare+, keep in mind that this is essentially phone insurance. There is a deductible if you need to replace your phone due to your fault, such as if the device has been dropped or water damaged.

Apple has reduced the cost of AppleCare+ for the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max from $219 to $199. However, we expect AppleCare+ pricing to remain the same. This means the standard AppleCare+ will cost $149 ($7.99/month) for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max and $199 ($11.49/month) for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss will cost $199 ($9.99/month) and $269 ($13.49/month), respectively.

After two years for the original AppleCare+ plan, customers have the option to upgrade to another year at the same price.

AppleCare+ for iPhone 14, 14 Max: $149 ($7.99/month)
AppleCare+ with theft and loss for iPhone 14, 14 Max: $199 ($9.99 per month)
AppleCare+ for iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max: $199 ($9.99 per month)
AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss for iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max: $269 ($13.49 per month)

iPhone Upgrade Program with AppleCare+

The iPhone Upgrade Program, first introduced in 2015, allows customers to upgrade their iPhones every year. These days, mobile carriers generally let you do this anyway, but the carriers block you so you can use them for as long as you pay for your phone. You must pay in full for the phone if you want to leave the carrier. Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program lets you switch between carriers as you see fit.

However, both Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program and your mobile carrier’s upgrade programs are somewhat similar. When you upgrade your phone, you are exchanging the old one. When you return an old phone, you do not continue to pay for it; Instead, you start paying for a new phone.

The iPhone Upgrade Program makes you pay for AppleCare+, so this program is not for you if you don’t want to pay the extra amount for AppleCare+. However, if you want AppleCare+, this program bundles it together and gives you theft and loss protection for an additional $2.91 per month.

We expect prices under the iPhone Upgrade Program to remain the same for the iPhone 14 series, which means prices will be the price of the iPhone plus the total cost of AppleCare+ ($149 or $199) divided by 24 months. Of course, all of these prices are calculated to ensure that Apple keeps the exact costs higher.

Example: iPhone 14 Pro 128GB is ($999 + $199) ÷ 24 = $49.91 per month.