Rumors continue to fly about the iPhone 7, with most people believing that Apple will release its next generation smartphone in September this year.
There are plenty of rumors regarding the external design of the Apple handset as well as its technical specifications. As we move closer to the predicted release date, it seems that these leaks and rumors are picking up pace. Now GSM Arena claims to have received exclusive iPhone 7 renders.
New renders from allegedly trustworthy source
The publication claims that the source of the renders is a reputable contact in the case-making business. The renders are apparently based on 3D technical drawings of the next generation Apple smartphone, but feature invented colors and materials.
It looks as though the antenna bands will be different on the iPhone 7 than the existing iPhone 6s. It also appears that despite earlier speculation that it would fit flush to the case, the camera will still have a bump.
The renders also show that the iPhone 7 will have two grilles at the bottom. The last time we saw a dual grille setup was on the iPhone 5s, which used one of the grilles just for the microphone.
Apple later dropped the two grilles on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s. However their return could signal that the company is about to introduce stereo speakers.
What will Apple do with iPhone 7 headphones?
Another point of interest is that the 3.5mm headphone jack is missing. The audio connector has been the subject of some of the most persistent rumors over the past few months, and the idea that Apple might get rid of the connector has gained some serious traction.
Judging by the renders, it looks like it could be true. This would suggest that Apple will ship the iPhone 7 with headphones that connect via the Lightning port, or use a set of wireless earbuds.
The first option would mean that you wouldn’t be able to listen to music while you charge your phone, which could represent an annoyance for many users. The latter option will run into opposition from audiophiles and other Apple fans.
The issue is that wireless headphones are not up to the same standard as their wired counterparts in terms of sound quality. In addition there will be plenty of people who are annoyed at having to invest in new accessories as a result of the switch.
Dual-camera system could provide major improvements
Another important rumor relates to the introduction of a dual-camera module. It is thought that the iPhone 7 could see the introduction of a dual-camera system that offers increased performance in low light, with some commentators predicting that images could be comparable to those produced by a DSLR camera.
Analysts predict that Apple could restrict the dual-camera system to the larger iPhone 7 Plus. This could allow the company to place less pressure on supply chains, while also helping to drive sales in the larger handset. As it stands the vast majority of iPhone users buy the standard model.
Alongside those rumors we have also been hearing about the possible introduction of dust- and waterproof technology. This would help Apple keep up with rival Samsung, whose Galaxy S7 smartphone boasts an IP68 rating
Apple versus Samsung battle continues
In fact this ongoing battle with Samsung is presumably a major concern for Apple, and could influence some of its decisions. The dual-camera could see the wrestle back the title of best smartphone camera, which it has lost to Samsung in recent years.
Another key part of the rivalry is screen quality, with Samsung introducing OLED displays. While this kind of screen is widely considered to be the future in mobile technology, Apple looks set to stick with LCD displays until at least 2017.
However the U.S. company may have found a way to beat Samsung even while using different technology. DisplayMate believes that Apple could use a smaller version of the screen found on the iPad Pro, which it says is the best screen it has seen on a mobile device. That group includes Samsung’s Galaxy S7 smartphone.
It is hard to say what exactly Apple will do with the next generation iPhone, but that hasn’t stopped thousands of people weighing in with their opinions. The only way that we can be sure is to wait for the official launch event, which is expected to come this fall.
As for these renders, GSM Arena claims that they are from a trustworthy source. The site believes that the buttons, camera and functional elements are in their correct positions due to the fact that the renders are based on technical drawings.
Make of that what you will.
