Apple will introduce a 5-inch iPhone 7s as a third form factor to its iPhone lineup next year along with the existing two versions, the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch models, according to Japanese blog Mac Okatara. The report also claims that this new version will sport a unique vertical dual-lens camera system.
iPhone 7s with dual vertical cameras
Citing an unnamed Taiwanese supplier, Mac Okatara says the iPhone 7s version will be an updated version of the iPhone 7. Also the dual-lens camera in the iPhone 7s Plus will be rearranged into a vertical alignment rather than the horizontal one in the new 5-inch model.
In a separate report earlier this month, Mac Okatara claimed that Apple will retain the aluminum design of the iPhone 7 in the iPhone 7s and 7s Plus devices. There will also be an all-new red color. Several reports have indicated 2017 will see three new iPhone models, including the updated 4.7- and 5.5-inch models with LCD screens and a premium model with an OLED display and glass casing.
More specific details of the iPhone 7s are not very clear as of now. However, if Apple follows the trend, then “s” refreshes usually come with internal changes instead of a radical design refresh. Possibly, the company is saving the big changes for the iPhone 8, which is expected to be an all-glass design with an OLED display, wireless charging and much more.
Can Mac Okatara be believed?
Apple’s plans to replace the headphone jack and also debut a new glossy black color were first reported by Mac Okatara. However, its track record isn’t perfect, says MacRumors. It reported in November that a new Jet White color for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus would be introduced, but that hasn’t materialized.
Mac Okatara’s latest report, however, supports an earlier report from Nikkei, which also talked of a new 5–inch iPhone in 2017, notes MacRumors. Nikkei had stated that the new glass-backed designs will be sported by all the three iPhone models in 2017. Last month, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that it’s highly likely that the iPhone will switch to new glass casings to support wireless charging.
Kuo also claimed that there will be a 5-inch form factor, and the report from Mac Otakara seems to back this up, but it deviates on internal specifications and the place in Apple’s smartphone lineup, notes AppleInsider.
“While mere speculation, Apple might be asking certain suppliers to ready components for a mid-size ‘s’ cycle iPhone chassis as plans for an “iPhone 8” solidify,” says AppleInsider.
