Renderings of Space Black 'iPhone 7' has hints of rumored dark Space Gray option

Posted to Hajek's website on Thursday, the new renderings provide a first look at what could be a close approximation to Apple's next-generation iPhone. Apple is not rumored to launch a Space Black "iPhone 7," but recent reports suggest a darker Space Gray specification is in the cards.

Following the traditional white/black color scheme seen on early iPhone models, Space Gray was introduced as a color option for the aluminum body iPhone 5s in 2013. The original iteration was a take on classic gunmetal with a hue somewhere between black and metallic silver.

The darker variant has since landed on all iOS devices and was last year extended to Mac buyers with the 12-inch MacBook. Despite carrying the same name across Apple's product offerings, Space Gray is far from uniform. The color's tone even changed between iPhone generations.

Apple might again modify Space Gray with "iPhone 7," as reports earlier in June claim the designation will be "much darker" in color, likely bordering on black. Citing supply chain sources, Japanese website Mac Otakara initially claimed Apple would ditch Space Gray altogether in favor of a dark blue colorway. The publication later clarified, saying people who saw the new Space Gray hue mistook it for a shade of blue.

Apple is expected to unveil its next-generation handset this fall alongside iOS 10. Rumors and parts leaks suggest no major aesthetic changes, though the smartphone is thought to feature redesigned antenna windows and a larger hole to accommodate an upgraded camera. Apple is also rumored to nix iPhone's 3.5mm headphone jack and implement a touch sensitive "Force Touch ID" home button, though reports conflict as to whether those changes will arrive this year.