Neil Hughes
A new series of images rumored to show the design of both the "iPhone 7" and "iPhone 7 Plus" suggest that Apple's larger 5.5-inch model will be the only one to receive a dual-lens camera, as well as the magnetic Smart Connector.
Alleged factory designs for both models were leaked on Wednesday by USwitch. They show an "iPhone 7" design largely similar to the current iPhone 6s, while the bigger "iPhone 7 Plus" appears to receive the most significant changes.
In particular, the design shows a larger, oval-shaped camera protrusion on the back of the device, suggesting it could house two lenses, as has been rumored.
Notably, back in January, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities suggested Apple's dual-camera iSight array could be exclusive to the "iPhone 7 Plus." It's believed that the design is based on imaging technology that Apple obtained through its acquisition of LinX in 2015.
In addition, the so-called "iPhone 7 Plus" also features three dots presumably for a magnetic Smart Connector port on the back of the device, toward the bottom. That's also in line with earlier leaks showing designs with a Smart Connector, which could be used for charging.
Notably, both the "iPhone 7" and "iPhone 7 Plus" designs lack legacy 3.5-millimeter headphone jacks on the bottom of the device. It's rumored that Apple plans to eliminate the headphone jack, leaving users to rely on either Lightning-connected headphones, or a wireless Bluetooth pair.
Both iPhone models are also shown to have protruding camera lenses on the back, suggesting the camera "bump" that has existed since the iPhone 6 will remain. That contradicts some earlier rumors, which suggested Apple would utilize a new, thinner camera module to return to a flat-backed design.
The confusion regarding the upcoming "iPhone 7" launch may be an indication that Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook's efforts to improve secrecy, particularly within the company's extensive supply chain, are finally bearing fruit. Back in 2012, he vowed to "double down" on secrecy, though leaks of upcoming products continued to surface.
AppleInsider Staff
Malcolm Owen
Oliver Haslam
Andrew O'Hara
Wesley Hilliard
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
19 Comments
Of course, rumors are just rumors, but so far, there really doesn't seem to be any reason for us iPhone 6s users to update. The design is essentially the same, the camera is the same, and there don't seem to be any new features unless you count removing the headphone port. A faster processor would be nice, but realistically, the current iPhone 6s is very, very fast.
First in...
I'll say it for SOG, Neil did not call Ming-Chi Kuo and Apple insider, are you happy now!
The issue why these rumor is not accurate, Apple is most likely building multiply version and doing testing to see how well each idea works in the real world. We will have to wait and see what they finally decide on. I go back the watch, there was rumors apples was doing a watch but no picture or prototypes leaked out. These leaks if real are design to keep people from buying something else.
Hmmm. I really dislike all of this.
So almost identical design, no headphone jack, and fancy camera only on the plus?
Looks good, I'm in. I like the Pro model, or whatever they call it eventually.
I think I will go for the plus this time. Still kind of bummed about no headphone jack although I really only use it on airplanes with my AKG noise cancelling headphones. I guess it will require a dongle.