Apple’s iPhone 7 might be months away from launch, but rumours around what the new iPhone will feature, how many devices will be released are already doing the rounds. The iPhones typically launch in September, along with the latest iOS version. This blog will chronicle all Apple rumours that create a buzz.
No headphone jack: When it comes to the iPhone 7 series, this one is the strongest rumour. Several reports claim that Apple’s new iPhone won’t have a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Reports says that Apple could go for headphones, which can be plugged into the Lightning charging port, or possibly a pair of more expensive Bluetooth headphones.
The latest report from Fast Company, says the iPhone 7 will use the Lightning cable port for sound output and “will be noticeably thinner.” The report quotes a source with knowledge of the company’s plans and says that Apple’s new iPhone will have a noise-cancelling technology from Wolfson Microelectronics.
It adds that Apple could introduce a new set of more expensive headphones possibly under the Beats brand, that it acquired in 2014.
Earlier a report from Japanese tech blog Macotakara had reported the same and said that users will have to rely on a Digital to Analogue (DA) converter to use the older Earpod headphones.
Another report on Apple Insider pointed out how the company had showcased Lightning conductor supported accessories at WWDC in 2014, so no headphone jack should not be surprising. Apple Insider report also linked to a 2011 patent that could make this possible and the patent shows a D-shaped connector that replaces current 3.5 mm jacks.
Thinner, waterproof, no aluminium frame: Rumours have also claimed that the iPhone 7 will be thinner (6.1 mm as the iPod Touch), a feat which will be possible with the elimination of the headphone jack.
Japanese blog Macotakara says Apple has already been testing waterproof and dustproof prototypes of the iPhone 7. The report adds, that Apple could replace the metal frame seen in the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. The all-metal design was re-introduced in 2012 with the iPhone 5.
OLED display from Samsung, LG: While some blogs have indicated that the Apple will stick with LCD display in the iPhone 7, a report from Korea’s Electronic Times said that LG Display and the panel-making unit of Samsung will supply organic light emitting diode (OLED) screens for Apple iPhone 7.
OLED screens are thinner and offer better picture quality than the mainstay liquid crystal display screens.
The report added that LG and Samsung Display are close to a final agreement with Apple for the screens, and that two firms plan a combined 15 trillion won ($12.8 billion) in capital expenditure to build up OLED production capacity over the next two to three years.
A smaller iPhone with 4-inch screen: The iPhone series for 2016 might come in three sizes if one were to go by the rumours. While the regular iPhone 7 will have a 4.7-inch and a 5.5-inch screen for iPhone 7 Plus, reports also claim that Apple is working on a smaller iPhone with a 4-inch screen which could be launched as early as March 2016.
iPhone 7c, or iPhone 6c as it is being referred to, will also be waterproof. According to Chinese tech blog MyDrivers, the smaller iPhone will have 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage and a 1,642mAh battery.
A10 processor to be made by TMSC: With a new series of iPhone, Apple upgrades the processor and for iPhone 7, it will introduce the A10 processor generation.
According to a report in China Times Taiwan based TSMC will be the exclusive manufacturer of the A10 potentially cutting off Samsung. Apple’s iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus come with chips from both Samsung and TMSC.
The report notes that the Apple’s A10 processor could be more efficient, and smaller in size allowing for more battery space.
Apple iPhone 7 with USB-Type C: G4Games has claimed that Apple is testing 5 different prototypes of the new iPhone 7 and that one could come with the Type-C USB charging and another prototype includes an AMOLED display.
Given that the Lightning conductor was introduced so recently the idea of a new charging port sounds highly unlikely. Of course, Apple is known to make design changes, which make accessories redundant for users and if this comes true, a lot of people will complain once again.
- The Indian Express