After being caught in the rumour mill for long, it's about time Apple showcases the next model of its flagship iPhone. With the launch date inching closer, the leaks are pouring in at an alarming rate, revealing parts and features of the smartphone in almost every possible aspect.
As expected, iPhone fanatics are anticipating Apple to bring something fresh to the table after an underwhelming offering in the iPhone 6s, with no innovative features apart from the fancy 3D touch display. Apple's next flagship is allegedly slated to be showcased on September 7, here's all we know about the device so far:
Design:
The upcoming iPhone is unlikely to see a huge design overhaul, though the device is rumoured to be thinnest iPhone ever. Perhaps the most notable change will be the inclusion of an alleged 'Pro' variant. Apple, which already has expanded its smartphone portfolio with the launch of the SE model, may soon include a 'Pro' variant to its line-up.
The new iPhone is also expected to sport the same form factor as the iPhone 6s - but it could pack a camera that is less-protruding on the rear. The antenna bands are also speculated to vanish from the rear panel, but will stay at the top and bottom of the device.
The new flagship is speculated to be sans the 3.5mm headphone jack, making it thinner by a millimetre, as compared to its previous models. The exclusion of an audio jack could improve its water resistance, and probably make room for a second speaker. With no headphone jack, wired headphones will connect to the device using its lightning port. This means that the audio will now be routed via the lightning port. A high-definition audio chip will now take its place within the headphone itself. This allows a miniscule additional space within the smartphone for an additional component. A similar scenario has already been seen in the recent Le Eco's Le 2, Le 2 Pro and Le Max 2.
The front panel is also rumoured to undergo a facelift. It is said to feature a longer earpiece cut-out, a relocated ambient light sensor and a pressure sensitive home button with haptic feedback. Few online leaked images of the iPhone also indicate the inclusion of a 'smart connecter' on the rear panel of the device. If this 'smart connecter' feature comes to life, it may only make an appearance on the larger screen variants.
Display:
Apple is catching up with many of its competitors in on display resolution. If rumours are to be believed, Apple will move to glass-on-glass (G/G) display, opening up possibilities for a QHD (2K), or even a UHD (4K) display.
Apple is also expected to apply a pixel density of 401ppi to its 4.7-inch variant, which was earlier exclusive to its iPhone Plus variants. The company could well move on from an LED display to an OLED panel, challenging its all-time rival, Samsung.
However, a few other online reports also claim the OLED panel will only come into play for Apple in the next couple of years. According to a report in Wall Street Journal, Apple has ordered 100 million 5.5-inch OLED panels for its 2017 iPhone flagship, implying that we might get the same LCD display this time around. The 3D Touch will surely make a return, and is likely to be improved, state some more online reports.
Camera:
Apple put a new 12MP snapper for the iPhone 6s, replacing its traditional 8MP sensor, and also upgraded the front shooter to 5MP. It is highly unlikely that Apple will make alterations to its camera components, although the new camera will boast additional features, which are yet to be revealed.
Multiple leaks also suggest that the camera lens and/or sensor will be even bigger, making it even superior than before. But the downside is that the camera bump contradicts the symmetrical design of the smartphone which was rumoured earlier.
Steady streams of sources have also bolstered a dual-lens rumour. The leaks indicate the dual camera to most likely be included on the 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus and/or Pro variants, but not be the regular 4.7-inch iPhone 7.
Under the hood:
The new iPhone will definitely be groomed with Apple's newest operating system, the iOS 10. The new OS brings some serious changes to the interface, a smarter version of Siri, and a few others, including a huge overhaul of its messaging app, iMessage.
The next iPhone could boast of a massive performance enhancement, with leaks indicating that the phone packs in a hexa-core processor-based Apple A10 chip. The device is expected to retain the puny 2GB RAM, while others say it will be pushed to 3GB, making it one the most powerful flagship from Apple till date.
The iPhones are often been criticised for having shorter battery life, as was the case with the iPhone 6s. Sadly, if the new generation shrinks in size, there's a huge possibility that we might not see a longer running iPhone. However, a recent leak suggested the company will increase the battery size in the iPhone 7, while still being able to trim down the thickness. With newer emerging technologies that make the batteries slimmer and attain various sizes and shapes, this could be a definite possibility.
iPhone 7 Pro:
There's been a huge buzz about Apple bringing a new 'Pro' variant this time. Apparently the 'Pro' variant will have a remarkable dual-camera system developed by Apple owned LinX. The company apparently can't produce enough LinX camera modules for both the 7 and 7 Plus, so creating a third option allows the company to bring the technology for its users.
It's presently unclear what the dual camera will offer with so many possibilities. It could mimic the LG G5 with a regular lens and a wider angle option, or perhaps the Huawei P9 with a monochrome sensor alongside a colour one.
The iPhone 7 Pro could also sport the same dimensions and design as the iPhone 6s Plus, but will feature an additional 'smart connecter' on the back panel. It will be water resistant like its competition, the Galaxy S7. There were also reports that the device will be delayed until 2017.
Apple usually introduces its new flagship iPhones in September; it's likely the company will continue to use the same release pattern for the iPhone 7. Users will have to wait for the Apple to take the wrapper off its next iPhone, putting all leaks and rumours to rest. The information we have so far is based purely on the reports by well-known tipsters and market analysts.
