'iPhone 7' schematics suggest dual camera, Smart Connector will be exclusive to 5.5" Plus model
A new series of images rumored to show the design of both the "iPhone 7" and "iPhone 7 Plus" suggest that Apple's larger 5.5-inch model will be the only one to receive a dual-lens camera, as well as the magnetic Smart Connector.
Alleged factory designs for both models were leaked on Wednesday by USwitch. They show an "iPhone 7" design largely similar to the current iPhone 6s, while the bigger "iPhone 7 Plus" appears to receive the most significant changes.
In particular, the design shows a larger, oval-shaped camera protrusion on the back of the device, suggesting it could house two lenses, as has been rumored.
Notably, back in January, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities suggested Apple's dual-camera iSight array could be exclusive to the "iPhone 7 Plus." It's believed that the design is based on imaging technology that Apple obtained through its acquisition of LinX in 2015.
In addition, the so-called "iPhone 7 Plus" also features three dots presumably for a magnetic Smart Connector port on the back of the device, toward the bottom. That's also in line with earlier leaks showing designs with a Smart Connector, which could be used for charging.
Notably, both the "iPhone 7" and "iPhone 7 Plus" designs lack legacy 3.5-millimeter headphone jacks on the bottom of the device. It's rumored that Apple plans to eliminate the headphone jack, leaving users to rely on either Lightning-connected headphones, or a wireless Bluetooth pair.
Both iPhone models are also shown to have protruding camera lenses on the back, suggesting the camera "bump" that has existed since the iPhone 6 will remain. That contradicts some earlier rumors, which suggested Apple would utilize a new, thinner camera module to return to a flat-backed design.
The confusion regarding the upcoming "iPhone 7" launch may be an indication that Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook's efforts to improve secrecy, particularly within the company's extensive supply chain, are finally bearing fruit. Back in 2012, he vowed to "double down" on secrecy, though leaks of upcoming products continued to surface.
Alleged factory designs for both models were leaked on Wednesday by USwitch. They show an "iPhone 7" design largely similar to the current iPhone 6s, while the bigger "iPhone 7 Plus" appears to receive the most significant changes.
In particular, the design shows a larger, oval-shaped camera protrusion on the back of the device, suggesting it could house two lenses, as has been rumored.
Notably, back in January, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities suggested Apple's dual-camera iSight array could be exclusive to the "iPhone 7 Plus." It's believed that the design is based on imaging technology that Apple obtained through its acquisition of LinX in 2015.
In addition, the so-called "iPhone 7 Plus" also features three dots presumably for a magnetic Smart Connector port on the back of the device, toward the bottom. That's also in line with earlier leaks showing designs with a Smart Connector, which could be used for charging.
Notably, both the "iPhone 7" and "iPhone 7 Plus" designs lack legacy 3.5-millimeter headphone jacks on the bottom of the device. It's rumored that Apple plans to eliminate the headphone jack, leaving users to rely on either Lightning-connected headphones, or a wireless Bluetooth pair.
Both iPhone models are also shown to have protruding camera lenses on the back, suggesting the camera "bump" that has existed since the iPhone 6 will remain. That contradicts some earlier rumors, which suggested Apple would utilize a new, thinner camera module to return to a flat-backed design.
The confusion regarding the upcoming "iPhone 7" launch may be an indication that Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook's efforts to improve secrecy, particularly within the company's extensive supply chain, are finally bearing fruit. Back in 2012, he vowed to "double down" on secrecy, though leaks of upcoming products continued to surface.
Comments
Of course, rumors are just rumors, but so far, there really doesn't seem to be any reason for us iPhone 6s users to update. The design is essentially the same, the camera is the same, and there don't seem to be any new features unless you count removing the headphone port. A faster processor would be nice, but realistically, the current iPhone 6s is very, very fast.
First in...
I'll say it for SOG, Neil did not call Ming-Chi Kuo and Apple insider, are you happy now!
The issue why these rumor is not accurate, Apple is most likely building multiply version and doing testing to see how well each idea works in the real world. We will have to wait and see what they finally decide on. I go back the watch, there was rumors apples was doing a watch but no picture or prototypes leaked out. These leaks if real are design to keep people from buying something else.
So almost identical design, no headphone jack, and fancy camera only on the plus?
So it isn't about enticing a 6s owner to upgrade (although that is great when it happens), but rather 6, 5s, and earlier. I understand the media also focuses on the same thing - what is different from last model to next model - which is understandable - but it isn't how most users will look at it. Is an iPhone 7 enticing enough to upgrade from the older models. Of course, the "buzz factor" of the phone plays into that equation, so if an iPhone 7 is viewed as "meh", then some are likely to hold back upgrading, impacting the sales over course of a year.
Certainly, for the iPhone 7 (4.7") model, we are not seeing rumours that indicate much new. Those leaks of course based mostly on these supposedly leaked schematics. Of course we are highly likely to get improvements in CPU/GPU, screen (reflectivity, etc), camera and s/w only for 7 series. Also on table are any new internal chips, sensors, which improve experience or enable new use cases.
Perhaps Apple is trying to keep the ASP up (in the face of lower priced iPhone SE model) by enticing more to the 7+ unit with yet more exclusive features. Or perhaps the components necessary are in shorter supply, and thus restricted to the lower run + model.
Certainly not what I want, as I will not be getting a 5.5" phone. When I upgrade from my 5s, it will be to a 4.7" model.
And its always put as Apple decides this, decided that.. Like he had any insight in the decision process which total tripe.
I still think people are in for a big surprise with the iP7 and that the more radical stuff being forecast for 2017 and later will appear this year. Given the decline in sales, a 6SS would be suicidal.