Every day it seems as though there is a new rumor about the iPhone 7, which Apple is expected to release some time this fall.
If it’s not a dual-camera system or a new iPhone 7 Pro model, it’s chatter about internal components and potential supply chain issues. Two of the latest rumors would have you believe that the Apple iPhone 7 is going to be completely waterproof and dustproof, and that it will also include a touch-sensitive home button.
Touch-sensitive home button for waterproof iPhone?
his could possibly mean that the home button could sit flush to the rest of the handset, according to Taiwanese website DigiTimes (via I4U News). DigiTimes has a patchy record when it comes to predicting Apple’s next moves, but the possibility of a waterproof iPhone 7 has been raised by at least 3 other reports. Dustproofing would also be firmly within the realms of possibility.
The existing Apple iPhone 6s is surprisingly water resistant, but not completely waterproof. A source on Chinese microblogging site Weibo claimed in September that the next generation iPhone would have a stronger, waterproof frame.
A Fast Company report also made similar claims while also predicting that the iPhone 7 would be thinner than the iPhone 6s. Other rumors say that the new handset could be as thin as the 6.1 mm iPod Touch.
When will the iPhone 8 be released?
While a thinner, waterproof iPhone 7 seems likely, the idea of a touch sensitive home button is far less certain. In June 2015 the rumor first surfaced in a story which claimed that new Apple display technology would include “integrated fingerprint sensors” that could spell the end of the home button.
In March Apple received approval for a patent related to a pressure-sensitive Liquidmetal home button, which would deform slightly under pressure before returning to its original shape. Apple holds the exclusive rights to use the malleable alloy, but it hasn’t really used them as yet.
Other rumors include Apple’s plans for the so-called iPhone 8 which could be released next year. Barclays analyst Mark Moskowitz believes that Apple will do away with its traditional “S” upgrade cycle next year and release the iPhone 8 without a physical home button. It is also thought that the company will make the switch from LCD to OLED displays for the iPhone 8.
iPhone 7 likely to see dual-camera system
Rumors surrounding the future of the iconic home button have come about due to Apple’s single-chip solution for touchscreen and display drivers. This could allow the screen to be Touch ID-enabled, and therefore make a separate home button unnecessary.
Other rumors include the introduction of a dual lens camera module which would boost performance in low light. Analysts are debating whether or not the module will be included on all iPhone 7 models, or just the iPhone 7 Plus. This could be an attempt to boost sales of the larger device compared to its smaller cousin.
Another possibility is that the dual-camera module will only be included on a new iPhone 7 Pro. A new halo version of the Apple smartphone would be targeted at power users who are willing to pay more for a premium handset.
The logic here is that such a move would bring the iPhone range into line with the MacBook and iPad ranges. The introduction of the dual camera system could also be restricted to a small proportion of total iPhone 7 units due to supply chain restrictions.
Apple fans up in arms over headphone jack
Another possible innovation from Apple is the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack. This has been one of the most persistent rumors surrounding the next generation smartphone and it appears more and more likely to occur.
B removing the headphone jack Apple will be able to make the iPhone 7 slimmer than its predecessors. However it will also mean that customers will be forced to use wireless headphones.
Some Apple fans are up in arms about the rumored change because it will effectively force them to buy new accessories. Apple is likely to bundle wireless headphones with the iPhone 7 if it gets rid of the headphone jack, but the bundled headphones are unlikely to satisfy audiophiles.
Wireless headphones generally offer worse sound quality than wired equivalents, and the majority of iPhone users prefer to upgrade to third-party headphones rather than use Apple’s earbuds. There could be some controversy brewing down the line in this regard.
Other rumors include a larger battery that will improve on the mediocre battery life of the iPhone 6s, and repositioned antenna bands. There is no way of knowing which, if any, of these rumors will become reality, so take everything you have just read with a pinch of salt.
Source: Digitimes
