iPhone 7

iPhone 7 won’t have the real innovation, you have to WAIT until 2017 – plus release date, price and specs rumours

There’s a concern in some quarters that the iPhone is running out of steam and that the iPhone 7 isn’t going to be that different, from a design point of view, to the existing iPhone 6S or iPhone 6S Plus. As we get closer to the rumoured launch in September, more and more credible leaks come out pointing out the exact same thing. Apparently, being too samey is something that Apple is worried about too, to the point that that it may be saving its big innovation for a release next year.

iPhone 7

It would be such a big change that Apple would even forgo the usual ‘S’ naming convention and jump straight to the iPhone 8 in 2017. That phone is said to have an edge-to-edge display, with the camera, TouchID sensor and everything else integrated directly into the display. That would truly be something that we hadn’t seen before, completely changing the way that smartphone works and looks. It could even mean that the phones get smaller while retaining the same size screens that they have today.

So, how likely is this? Well, it’s always very hard to tell with Apple. When rumours of the iPhone SE first surfaced, everyone thought that Apple would release a plastic phone with components lagging a generation behind the iPhone 6S. However, what we got was a full metal model with up-to-date components, dramatically beating expectations and turning out one of my favourite phones of the year.

But even with the level of surprise that Apple can deliver, it does seem unlikely that the iPhone 7 will be the huge leap forward that we want. And, with iPhone sales levelling off for the first time, Apple may well need to do something more dramatic in the near future, making the prospect of the iPhone 8 appearing in 2017 quite likely.

What you need to know, quickly

Need the information fast – here’s everything you need in a quick, bite-sized digest. Obviously, everything here is based on unconfirmed rumours, so things can change quickly, but the below is, at least, a quick view of how things stand at this point in time.

What is it?

Apple’s brand new smartphone, complete with a new design and the successor to 2015’s iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus

When is it out?

If Apple sticks to its normal release schedule, and it tends to, then we should see it late September 2016

What’s new?

The phones are likely to look very similar to the current model, but will have slightly bigger batteries, while a dual-lens camera looks set to appear on at least on model

iPhone 7 release date

If there’s been one reliable thing about Apple’s iPhone launches, it’s that they happen just once a year. Given that the iPhone 6S was launched in September 2015, a year after the iPhone 6, it doesn’t take a genius to work out that the iPhone 7 will come in September 2016.

Cost

It’s hard to say so far in advance how much Apple will charge for the iPhone 7, but the company does tend to keep its prices stable. If we were to guess then, we’d say the entry level version (16GB at the moment, by possibly 32GB by the time the phone is released) will cost €699; the 64GB version will cost €799 and the 128GB version €899. Assuming there’s an iPhone 7 Plus, expect the prices to be €799, €899 and €999 respectively.

iPhone 7: Updated release date, news and price rumours surrounding Apple’s next-generation smartphone

Can Apple continue to dominate the smartphone market? There are several online leaks and rumours hinting at what the tech giant has planned for iPhone 7

These excellent iPhone 7 concept images are the work of Netherlands-based graphic designer Yasser Farahi
These excellent iPhone 7 concept images are the work of Netherlands-based graphic designer Yasser Farahi

The iPhone 7 is undoubtedly one of the most hotly-anticipated gadgets of the year.

After last year’s iPhone 6s upgrade, tech fans are eager to see what the world’s most valuable company has planned for 2016.

And even thought the official announcement is months away, there are a host of rumours already circulating online.

These include predictions and comments from analysts through to leaked pictures supposedly showing early prototypes of the new iPhone.

Whatever Apple is building will have to work hard to keep pace with brand new phones from the likes of Samsung and LG.

We’ve gathered together all the latest news surrounding the phone into one place and will continue to update this as we learn more.

Imagined appearance: This might be what the iPhone 7 looks like- but it's not out 'til next year
Imagined appearance: This might be what the iPhone 7 looks like- but it’s not out ’til next year

Apple iPhone 7: Release date

Taking Apple’s release date history into account, it’s likely we’ll see the iPhone 7 officially revealed in September 2016.

Both the iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6 were revealed in September and Apple has no reason to change its strategy.

There’s also nothing wrong with taking advantage of Black Friday sales and the run up to Christmas.

The iPhone 7 could be even slimmer than the iPhone 6
The iPhone 7 could be even slimmer than the iPhone 6

If we had to be specific, we would estimate the announcement date for the iPhone 7 being on a Wednesday or a Thursday in either the first or second week of September.

The iPhone 6s announcement was held on September 9, 2015 and Apple could plan a repeat performance.

Apple iPhone 7: Design

Apple’s iPhone 6s has been a big hit for the technology giant – but it didn’t alter much when it came to design.

That could be about to change as rumours suggest next year’s model may drop the iconic home button on the front of the gadget.

Designers around the world are speculating on what Apple has planned and one artist, Marek Weidlich, has created an intriguing concept.

Is this what the iPhone 7 will look like?
Is this what the iPhone 7 will look like?

Weidlich has turned the entire front of the futuristic smartphone into a screen – leaving no home button or any visible bezel.

“I focused on simple design language which is very important for Apple,” Weidlich said.

“I designed a curved display without a bezel, and equipped with a software home button.”

Both Samsung and LG have embraced curvy screens with the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge and the LG G Flex 2 respectively.

It’s unlikely Apple will follow suit but then the world’s most valuable company has frequently had a problem with bending phones.

Apple’s last two releases have been with 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch screens. This covers a broad range and the tech giant could decide to keep things as they are.

Amazing-liquidmetal-iPhone-7-concept-shows-what-Apples-next-generation-smartphone-could-be

Dropping the headphone socket

Fans have been infuriated by new which claim to show a drastic change in one of the key features of the iPhone.

Pictures were obtained by the Taiwanese site Apple Club , which previously published the first schematics showing the protuding iPhone 6 camera lens, before being republished by 9to5Mac.

They appear to confirm rumours that Apple is set to remove the headphone socket from the iPhone 7.

If true, this will probably mean anyone who buys the next version of Apple’s iPhone will have to use wireless headphones or fork out for a pricey converter.

Iphone-7-leak-pictures_0083

In January, the usual shadowy “supply chain sources” told a Chinese website that the 3.5 inch headphone jack will not be included on Apple’s next mobile.

Recently, these rumours have been fuelled by images of a case for the new phone that apparently show no hole for the headphone wires.

The pictures, spotted by Nowhereelse.fr after they were published on Twitter, seem to support the rumour that Apple will ditch the headphone socket.

There’s no hole in the case for where a headphone socket should be – instead there are just spaces for the charging port and speakers.

Of course, there’s no way of confirming the legitimacy of the case – but it serves as an interesting indicator for a potentially big design change.

Tech experts reckon that by removing the headphone socket, Apple engineers will be able to shave 1mm off the thickness of the phone.

Because the new iPhone will likely arrive with Apple’s yet-to-be-confirmed iOS 10 software and an upgraded processor, it will offer even more power and better efficiency.

Likely to be boasting a processor called the A10 chip, the iPhone 7 will surely boast more power – although it’s anyone’s guess as to how much this will translate into actual usage.

Apple iPhone 7: Specs

The iPhone 7 will likely come in different colours - including a gold version
The iPhone 7 will likely come in different colours – including a gold version

Because the new iPhone will likely arrive with Apple’s yet-to-be-confirmed iOS 10 software and an upgraded processor, it will offer even more power and better efficiency.

Likely to be boasting a processor called the A10 chip, the iPhone 7 will surely boast more power – although it’s anyone’s guess as to how much this will translate into actual usage.

Apple will pack the very latest technology into its new flagship handset
Apple will pack the very latest technology into its new flagship handset

At the moment, we don’t know what kind of battery the iPhone 7 will use – but at least there’s now a Low Power Mode built into iOS 9 to help it last even longer. We expect this will continue into an updated version of iOS.

According to Korean site ETNews, Apple is currently in discussion with arch-rival Samsung over supplying OLED screens for its next phone.

This would shift the display over from the current LED model to a much more vibrant OLED screen. Such a move would likely make for better colour reproduction for videos and games, but might hamper battery life.

However, one change could be a huge boon for Apple fans.

Waterproof iPhone

Constructed using liquidmetal, the iPhone 7 could be completely waterproof
Constructed using liquidmetal, the iPhone 7 could be completely waterproof

The misery of dropping your iPhone down the toilet could soon be over as the latest rumours suggest Apple’s next iPhone could be completely waterproof.

According to a report in the China-based Commercial Times , Apple is working on a new “compound material” that repels water for use in its forthcoming smartphone, which it is thought will be called the iPhone 7.

This new material will also reportedly remove the need for the two strips of plastic that run across the back of the current generation of iPhones to allow mobile signals to reach the antennas.

This suggests that the body of the next iPhone may not be made from metal at all, but some other kind of material that allows radio waves to pass through it.

Industrial designer Herman Haidin has taken a stab at predicting the next version of Apple’s handset and reckons the American tech giant could use a material known as ‘liquidmetal’.

Apple acquired a patent for liquidmetal back in 2010 and uses it to make the small SIM ejector tool that comes in each iPhone box.

The material itself is a type of alloy that’s tougher and more water-resistant than typical aluminium.

In the concept, Haidin envisions the iPhone 7 as a mere 3mm thick with a body formed of glass and liquidmetal.

Amazing-liquidmetal-iPhone-7

There has also been some suggestion that the iPhone 7 could include a cutting-edge technology known as LiFi, that is capable of transmitting information at 100 times the speed of WiFi.

However, this is unlikely, given that LiFi is still in the early stages of development, and researchers don’t expect it to be ready for commercial use before the end of the decade.

Apple iPhone 7: Price

It’s unlikely that Apple’s main iPhone 7 will be any easier on the wallet than past variants.

Most experts reckon the new iPhone will start at €659 for a 16GB model, effectively taking the place of the current iPhone 6s – which will see an incremental drop in price.

If true, we could expect other models with larger storage – 64GB and 128GB most likely – to stick with the €769 and €869 prices.

iPhone 7: Apple Highly Likely To Stick To LCD Panels

The iPhone 7 (or whatever Apple chooses to call it) is unlikely to arrive until late 2016. Earlier, there were rumors that Apple would switch from LCD to AMOLED panels because the latter is far more power efficient. But reputed KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently said Apple will continue to use LCD panels in its next-gen iPhones. Even though AMOLED would have allowed Apple to increase display resolution while also enhancing battery life, there is a strong reason Apple would stick to LCD.

iphone7-design-concept

AMOLED is more expensive and difficult to manufacture

Apple has its eyes always fixed on high margins, so the company always strives to keep cost structures under control. Manufacturing components in high volumes at good yield rates is key to keeping costs down. According to a report from market research firm IHS, AMOLED panels are much more difficult and expensive to manufacture compared to LCDs.

The Motley Fool contributor Ashraf Eassa points out that the current iPhone displays are among the best available in the market. The Cupertino-based tech giant and its partners are working to enhance LCD efficiency and image quality. So, Apple is unlikely to switch to AMOLED anytime soon. Apple has been working on its in-house touch and display driver integration (TDDI) single chip solutions. But the company’s program was running behind schedule. Digitimes reported earlier this month that Apple had inked a deal with Synaptics for the supply of LCD driver chips to be used in the iPhone 7.

iPhone 7 may not bring battery life improvements

Ming-Chi Kuo has learned from his sources that the iPhone 7 will be only 6mm to 6.5mm thick. If true, it would be a major challenge for Apple to incorporate a bigger battery in a slimmer device. Users have already been complaining about the smaller 1715mAh battery in the iPhone 6S. At best, we can expect a similar battery size as that in the iPhone 6S and LCD panels, which lags behind AMOLED in terms of power efficiency.

In its latest report, TrendForce said the iPhone 7 will have 3GB RAM. The device is also expected to be waterproof. Among other things, the iPhone 7 is widely rumored to feature a hexa-core A10 processor and iOS 10. TrendForce estimates that Apple would sell 260 million iPhones in 2016.

iPhone 7s Rumors

iPhone 7/ iPhone 7s Rumors and Update: iPhone 7 is all Gearing Up for Its Release On September 2016; Thinner Than Old iPhone Devices, Equipped with Wireless Charging

The iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus has just launched in market and people are already speculating the design and upgrade that might be implemented in the upcoming Apple iPhone 7. If speculations are to be believed, iPhone 7 might hit the market on September 2016.
The new iPhone 7 is expected to have two different models with a 4.7-inch termed as iPhone 7 and a 5.5-inch model called the iPhone 7s. Also, the team is expected to bring about a whole new change in the physical model causing a complete remodel of the existing iPhone design. According to Mac World, there is also a possibility that iPhone models might possess better battery life, compared to that of its older models; however, Jony Ive has commented on the following factor that this possibility need not be given huge importance as most of the Apple models have greater battery life.

Unlike previous models, the upcoming iPhone 7 and 7s might have a sleek and thinner design, Tech Advisor reported. The team has applied patent for a slim headphone plug, which confirms that the new design could be thinner than the usual models. Going a step ahead, the much awaited Apple iPhone 7 and 7s might also offer huge built-in storage capacity plus a possibility that Apple will offer its consumers with wireless charging.
As a whole, since team Apple has been successful in gaining customer attention even before unveiling a product, if all the speculations and rumors sound to be true, then iPhone 7 and 7s is going to create yet another revolution in the smartphone world.