Only two new iPhone models shipping this fall, not three, prominent leaker claims
Despite some rumors to the contrary, Apple is planning to launch just two new iPhone models this fall, just as it has done for the last two years, a well-known leak source said on Tuesday.
The new iPhone models are codenamed "Sonora" and "Dos Palos," after two towns in California, according to a Twitter post by VentureBeat reporter Evan Blass. Blass's leaks about various consumer electronics are often accurate.
While he didn't offer any more details, in a June post he argued that it was "highly unlikely" Apple would use the "iPhone 7" name. That could tie in with reports that this year's iPhones will be another interim upgrade as Apple works on more advanced technology for 2017.
On Monday, a series of photos claimed to show three different iPhone models, labeled as the "iPhone 7," "7 Plus," and "7 Pro." While the 7 and 7 Plus units were largely identical apart from size, the alleged "Pro" featured a dual-lens camera and a Smart Connector, something more commonly expected to show up on the Plus.
The authenticity of the hardware was immediately questionable however, owing not just to the Weibo source but the presence of "S" markings. Apple has never used the "S" label across two subsquent iPhone generations.
Beyond better cameras and faster processors, this year's iPhones are expected to get upgrades such as a 32-gigabyte baseline, although they may lose 3.5-millimeter headphone jacks in favor of Bluetooth and Lightning audio.
The new iPhone models are codenamed "Sonora" and "Dos Palos," after two towns in California, according to a Twitter post by VentureBeat reporter Evan Blass. Blass's leaks about various consumer electronics are often accurate.
While he didn't offer any more details, in a June post he argued that it was "highly unlikely" Apple would use the "iPhone 7" name. That could tie in with reports that this year's iPhones will be another interim upgrade as Apple works on more advanced technology for 2017.
On Monday, a series of photos claimed to show three different iPhone models, labeled as the "iPhone 7," "7 Plus," and "7 Pro." While the 7 and 7 Plus units were largely identical apart from size, the alleged "Pro" featured a dual-lens camera and a Smart Connector, something more commonly expected to show up on the Plus.
The authenticity of the hardware was immediately questionable however, owing not just to the Weibo source but the presence of "S" markings. Apple has never used the "S" label across two subsquent iPhone generations.
Beyond better cameras and faster processors, this year's iPhones are expected to get upgrades such as a 32-gigabyte baseline, although they may lose 3.5-millimeter headphone jacks in favor of Bluetooth and Lightning audio.
Comments
iPhone, and iPhone Plus, are already enough for Apple to fill up and differentiate. The Plus model already is Apple's higher-speced-higher-priced model. It's already as expensive as they could get away with.
Oh and, you know, wait for the official product description...which is something no one has 100% yet.
Remember, the Plus has hardware-specific features that further set it apart from the smaller model (beyond just size), and justify its higher price. Apple would have to do that, and come up with even more to justify another Plus model (no size increase) that costs yet another $100 more. It's just not feasible.
I wish people would stop talking about the bulge. This is really getting annoying. Virtually every flagship camera has a camera bulge. That's just the way it is today, and just get used to it.
Secondly, you answered your own question...because its larger. Every additional millimeter makes new hardware features possible. Since other features are possible, and because Apple intends to charge a premium, the larger model gets unique features.
It is not complicated, mysterious, or offensive to 4.7" devices.
iPhone 7 Plus.
There shouldn't be any doubt about this. The only doubt being cast is by those that seek to criticize the product (of which they know nothing about) because the mockups of said products do not look dramatically, completely, 100% different from the 6 series.
To be fair, they're talking about an artist's impression based more on the current model than any real information. So it's not that surprising that they don't see much difference.
I'd give a lot more credence to these speculative designs if they looked even remotely like they'd done something more than draw bits on the current model.