Updated ambient light, proximity sensors in 'iPhone 7' prohibit use of legacy cases
Unlike past tick-tock iPhone refresh cycles, Apple's upcoming "iPhone 7" is expected to feature a design largely similar to the current iPhone 6 series, but internal component changes like a "dual specification" ambient light sensor could render existing cases and protective films incompatible.

In preparation of the coming design tweaks, manufacturers of LCD protection films are no longer accepting orders through Alibaba, reports Mac Otakara. A number of firms are peddling "iPhone 7" wares through the e-commerce giant, though it is unclear if the products are based on leaked schematics, inside information or, perhaps more likely, guesswork.
As for the minor design adjustments, the report claims Apple is updating iPhone's proximity sensor to a "dual specification" format that assumedly breaks out emitter and receiver components into two distinct receptacles. Alternatively, Apple might be looking to employ two separate proximity sensor packages for faster and more accurate readings.
Further changes include a repositioning of the ambient light sensor from the left side of the ear speaker to the right. The report mentions a "slightly longer receiver," though it is unclear as to what part the claim is referencing. Mac Otakara was unable to offer additional insight when reached for clarification, though it can be speculated that "receiver" and ear speaker are one in the same.
Finally, the "iPhone 7" chassis is expected to make room for iterative technology updates, the most apparent being a larger rear-facing iSight camera lens on the 4.7-inch version and a dual-camera array on the larger 5.5-inch model.
The new information lines up with a Wall Street Journal report published on Tuesday claiming Apple skipped a major design revamp as it awaits technological advancements.

In preparation of the coming design tweaks, manufacturers of LCD protection films are no longer accepting orders through Alibaba, reports Mac Otakara. A number of firms are peddling "iPhone 7" wares through the e-commerce giant, though it is unclear if the products are based on leaked schematics, inside information or, perhaps more likely, guesswork.
As for the minor design adjustments, the report claims Apple is updating iPhone's proximity sensor to a "dual specification" format that assumedly breaks out emitter and receiver components into two distinct receptacles. Alternatively, Apple might be looking to employ two separate proximity sensor packages for faster and more accurate readings.
Further changes include a repositioning of the ambient light sensor from the left side of the ear speaker to the right. The report mentions a "slightly longer receiver," though it is unclear as to what part the claim is referencing. Mac Otakara was unable to offer additional insight when reached for clarification, though it can be speculated that "receiver" and ear speaker are one in the same.
Finally, the "iPhone 7" chassis is expected to make room for iterative technology updates, the most apparent being a larger rear-facing iSight camera lens on the 4.7-inch version and a dual-camera array on the larger 5.5-inch model.
The new information lines up with a Wall Street Journal report published on Tuesday claiming Apple skipped a major design revamp as it awaits technological advancements.
Comments
Same goes for my SE.
If the 2016 iPhone is just called "iPhone" it will solve two awkward naming problems:
1. The 2016 iPhones are supposedly not completely refreshed designs. More like thinner iPhone 6S and 6S Plus.
So calling them "7" and "7 Plus" would feel wrong. Because we have been conditioned to expect the next-higher-numbered
iPhones to have all-new designs. In a way, the 2016 models will be like faster, thinner versions of the 6S and 6S Plus.
And there's no way Apple will call them "iPhone 6SS" and "iPhone 6SS Plus."
2. The 2017 iPhones are rumored to be totally redesigned. If Apple calls this year's iPhones "7" and "7 Plus" then
they can't call the radically different 2017 models "7S" and "7S Plus." They would need to call them "8" and "8 Plus,"
but only a year after the "7" and "7 Plus.". Sure, Apple could just call the 2017 models "iPhone" and "iPhone Plus,"
but I think that would be a year too late.
It just feels most natural to drop the "tick year" numbers and "tock year" S naming scheme this year.
This year's iPhone: "the new iPhone." Next year's iPhone: "the all-new iPhone."
Are you really serious, or was that just a fantastically lame attempt at trolling
(or perhaps a faux-troll intended to lampoon the trolls (and I/we didn't get the sarcasm?)
The 3G cases didn't fit the iP4 which didn't fit the iP5 which didn't fit the iP6
And guess what? Odds are that the iP6 cases won't fit the 7