Apple 'iPhone 7s' rumored to retain iPhone 7 design, debut without wireless charging

Contrary to recent predictions, a report on Wednesday claims the biggest changes coming to Apple's next-generation iPhone models are an upgraded "A11" SoC and new red color option, with the forthcoming handset likely to carry over the design language introduced with iPhone 7.

Citing sources within Apple's Taiwanese supply chain, Mac Otakara reports the company is expected to stick with the usual "s cycle" upgrade path for next year's "iPhone 7s" and "iPhone 7s Plus."

Specifically, the base 2017 iPhone lineup will retain iPhone 7 styling and boast enhanced internal components like an updated processor. A new red colorway is also a possibility. Apple has followed a similar annual hardware refresh pattern — stuffing new innards into last year's chassis — since the introduction of iPhone 4S in 2011.

Today's report runs counter to predictions from well-connected KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who last month forecast each of Apple's next iPhone models to incorporate an all glass chassis design with integrated wireless charging. Mac Otakara's source said both standout features are unlikely to debut in 2017, at least for the "iPhone 7s" series.

According to Kuo and other industry insiders, Apple is primed to debut a third model alongside its usual 4.7- and 5.5-inch smartphone offerings. The special edition variant will be positioned at a price point above the "iPhone 7s" series and feature a 5.1- or 5.2-inch OLED display with "invisible" home button, all-glass housing, wireless charging and other exotic technologies.

Notably, Kuo in a separate research note said he expects demand for the glass-backed 4.7-inch iPhone and larger OLED iteration to drive sales to "unprecedented" highs, suggesting a return to growth for Apple's smartphone segment.

Mac Otakara has a strong track record when it comes to iPhone predictions, however. The Japanese blog was first to report on iPhone 7's 3.5mm headphone jack deletion, as well as this year's Jet Black color option.

47 Comments

mtbnut 199 comments · 8 Years

About 7 years ago

Well, looks like I'll be keeping my iPhone 6 yet another year...

anantksundaram 20390 comments · 18 Years

Nothing says this will be an either/or. There could well be an iPhone 8, with the 7s being the 2nd-tier offering. Apple has done something similar in the past.

canukstorm 2740 comments · 11 Years

anantksundaram said:

Nothing says this will be an either/or. There could well be an iPhone 8, with the 7s being the 2nd-tier offering. Apple has done something similar in the past.

Agreed. I'd be surprised if the only thing on the iPhone docket for next year is an SoC update and a new color. Apple would get crucified in terms of mindshare if that's all they did for next year. I'm more inclined to think that Apple will pull a page out of its Watch playbook: 1) It will update the iPhone 7 / 7 Plus to the A11 SoC processor and 2) There will be a brand new iPhone (iPhone 8?) with completely new design, OLED, wireless charging, etc.

jason98 768 comments · 14 Years

canukstorm said:

anantksundaram said:

Nothing says this will be an either/or. There could well be an iPhone 8, with the 7s being the 2nd-tier offering. Apple has done something similar in the past.

Agreed. I'd be surprised if the only thing on the iPhone docket for next year is an SoC update and a new color. Apple would get crucified in terms of mindshare if that's all they did for next year. I'm more inclined to think that Apple will pull a page out of its Watch playbook: 1) It will update the iPhone 7 / 7 Plus to the A11 SoC processor and 2) There will be a brand new iPhone (iPhone 8?) with completely new design, OLED, wireless charging, etc.

Probably no iPhone 8 in 2017: http://daringfireball.net/2016/10/iphone_edition

mattgodfrey 27 comments · 8 Years

I think the rumours for a complete resdesign were wishful thinking. It makes more sense to keep the design for at least 2 years, mostly because of accessory makers.