Why does Apple persist with the iPhone notch when competitors offer full screens?

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Apple Continues to Use the iPhone Notch While Competitors Opt for Full-Screen Designs

Apple has maintained the prominent notch on its iPhones, a design element present since the iPhone X in 2017, even as competitors have adopted various methods to achieve full-screen displays. The notch on current iPhone models, including the iPhone 11 series, houses the front-facing camera, a stereo speaker, and the sensors for Face ID. This contrasts with manufacturers like Samsung, Huawei, and Oppo, who have introduced smartphones featuring hole-punch cutouts, pop-up camera modules, or slide-out mechanisms to eliminate screen obstructions.
Competitors' Approaches to Full-Screen Designs

Rival manufacturers have actively sought to minimise or eliminate the screen notch by relocating the components traditionally housed within it. Samsung, for instance, has moved the stereo speaker to the top edge of its devices and integrated facial recognition sensors directly into the selfie camera module. This allows their hole-punch notches to contain only the front camera. Other companies, such as Motorola, Xiaomi, and OnePlus, have implemented smaller, tear-drop shaped notches on their mid-range phones like the Moto G7, Xiaomi Mi 9, and OnePlus 7, which are approximately a quarter of the size of Apple's notch.
Apple's Design Choice and Recognizability

The continued use of a large notch by Apple is described as an "unexplained design choice" in industry observations. Despite this, the distinctive notch remains a recognisable visual identifier for the iPhone. While the specific technical rationale or design philosophy behind Apple's decision to retain this element, beyond its functional necessity for housing components, is not fully elaborated upon, its recognizability is a notable aspect of the design.
Future Redesign Possibilities

Industry speculation suggests that Apple may be planning a significant redesign for future iPhone generations. Reports indicate that upcoming models could feature a substantial overhaul, drawing parallels to the design transition that occurred between the iPhone 8 and the iPhone X. However, the specifics of any forthcoming redesign, including the potential for a reduced notch or a full-screen implementation, remain subject to rumour.

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Why does Apple persist with the iPhone notch when competitors offer full screens?

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