Alleged 'iPhone 7' production plates, schematics show no sign of Smart Connector

Posted:
in iPhone edited May 2016
Adding to a growing pile of supposed parts leaks, a set of images posted to the web on Monday suggest Apple's upcoming "iPhone 7" series will indeed sport a larger rear camera aperture, as well as a dual-camera array for the larger "Plus" model, but might ship without a Smart Connector as previous rumors claimed.




The photos, supposedly sourced from a Chinese Apple supplier and subsequently uploaded to website Baidu, provide a close look at what is believed to be CNC machining plates employed as part of the finishing process applied to iPhone's aluminum chassis, reports HDBlog. A pair of schematics showing tooling dimensions was also shared.

Two separate tools can be seen in the provided images, one for a 4.7-inch iPhone and another for a larger 5.5-inch model. Of note, the smaller version appears to include a larger aperture to fit what is assumed to be an upgraded iSight camera module, a design modification from Apple's current iPhone 6s lineup first seen in a purported parts leak earlier today.

A pill-shaped opening on the larger plate points to a dual-camera setup that seemingly includes smaller holes for Apple's True Tone flash module and a single microphone. Rumors that the next-generation iPhone would incorporate two rear-facing camera sensors kicked off in January when KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo issued a note predicting the special array would be marketed as a "Plus" model differentiator.




Not seen in the batch of photos is reference to Apple's Smart Connector, though it should be noted that the telltale three-hole port might be part of a later stage manufacturing process. Introduced with iPad Pro, Apple's proprietary connection protocol popped up in a supposedly leaked chassis prototype in April, and again in a schematic this month.

Industry analysts and insiders are narrowing down their predictions for "iPhone 7" as September quickly approaches. Most rumormongers agree that Apple is planning to introduce a dual-camera setup on at least one of its next-gen handset models, specifically the 5.5-inch flagship, as a way to differentiate beyond screen size. While the exact arrangement has yet to be disclosed, the inclusion of two separate lenses allows for greater camera system flexibility.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 9
    viclauyycviclauyyc Posts: 849member
    Looks like a Chinese hand, it must be legit 
  • Reply 2 of 9
    NY1822NY1822 Posts: 621member
    I especially love the circle around the Apple logo...looks like a 4 year old drew it
  • Reply 3 of 9
    baconstangbaconstang Posts: 1,099member
    They look great!  Like the Blade Runner version.
  • Reply 4 of 9
    JinTechJinTech Posts: 1,019member
    No Smart Connector? WTF Apple?

    Apple Is Doomed!™ 

    /s
    baconstang
  • Reply 5 of 9
    blitz2blitz2 Posts: 34member
    Looks 6-ish to me.
    Time to sell some stock
  • Reply 6 of 9
    igorskyigorsky Posts: 747member
    blitz2 said:
    Looks 6-ish to me.
    Time to sell some stock
    Selling shares based on unconfirmed schematics.  I get it...it's the ole "most people will think that this is stupid but I'll show em in the end" routine?
    edited May 2016
  • Reply 7 of 9
    studiomusicstudiomusic Posts: 653member
    Did anyone notice that the big one looks like Bender? ;)
  • Reply 8 of 9
    evilutionevilution Posts: 1,399member
    Why would the phone have a smart connector anyway? Connect a small keyboard to the side of it? You're gonna look ridiculous using it.
  • Reply 9 of 9
    anomeanome Posts: 1,531member
    Did anyone notice that the big one looks like Bender? ;)

    I was thinking more Gort, myself. Or maybe Calculon if rendered in Gold.
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