Only two new iPhone models shipping this fall, not three, prominent leaker claims
Roger Fingas
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.
Wesley Hilliard
Andrew Orr
Amber Neely
William Gallagher
