Apple might replace the notch with a cut-out — here’s what it should look like

I don’t know what to believe anymore. After the MacBook Pro was launched with a notch, it appeared that Apple was doubling down on the design feature. Effectively, the notch was now an integral part of Apple’s brand identity.

But that might actually be wrong. They lied to us.

According to recent leaks, it looks as though the upcoming iPhone 14 Pro range will do away with the notch and replace it with a “pill-shaped” cut out. If you’re asking what the hell that would look like, here’s a useful guide:

Mocked up what a potential iPhone 14 Pro with a pill-shaped cutout might look like. pic.twitter.com/E3C1Bygd45

— Jeff Grossman (@Jeffrey903) January 9, 2022

This rumor has, of course, prompted the wonderful minds of shitposters across the internet to offer alternative suggestions to how the iPhone 14 Pro cut-out should look. And here at TNW, we’re not ones to turn down the opportunity to flap about in the mud like pig people.

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So, we got our editorial team to chime in with some suggestions about what shape the cut-out selfie camera on the iPhone 14 should be. And here they are:

apple aviators — What’s classier and cooler than a pair of aviators? Well, lots of things — but you can’t be mad at your phone if you pretend it’s Tom Cruise from *Top Gun*. (Idea from Ioanna)

apple iphone cut out black hole — There aren’t many metaphors more fitting for our modern world than a black hole cut-out. GIVE INTO THE GRAVITATIONAL PULL OF DARKNESS. (Idea from Steven)

instead of notch eiffel tower — Vive la révolution! Every phone should feature a tribute to the anniversary of the French revolution. Now, who wants to go and find some cars to set on fire? (Idea from Callum)

iphone 14 pro cut out halo — Maybe we’d be more comfortable with being spied on if it was the Master Chief on the other side of the screen. (Idea from Abhi)

selfie camera iphone pint — The only problem with having a pint as the shape of the camera cut-out is I’ll always be thirsty. Also, if you see me licking my phone on a street corner, here’s why. (Idea from Aoife)

apple phone cut-out squint — If we all squint, maybe life won’t suck quite so much. (Idea from Tom)

iphone 14 pro cut-out wordle — Why not make the cut-out good for something and let it be capable of playing Wordle? God, I’m sick of it already. (Idea from Ivan)

If any of these look appealing, you know where to find us, Mr. Tim Apple. We accept cash, cheque, or cryptocurrency.

Story by Callum Booth

Callum Booth is a freelance journalist with over a decade of experience. Previously, he was the Managing Editor of TNW, where his reporting (show all) Callum Booth is a freelance journalist with over a decade of experience. Previously, he was the Managing Editor of TNW, where his reporting was cited widely, including in VICE, the FT, and the BBC. Callum’s writing has appeared in The Verge, The Daily Telegraph, Time Out, and many more. He covers the full spectrum of technology, with a particular focus on how it shapes our daily lives. And a lot of regulation stuff too. Outside of work, Callum’s an avid bookworm, a Fisherman’s Friends addict, and resolutely unshaven. Follow him on Twitter @CallumBooth or visit www.callumbooth.net.