iPhone 7: What can we expect from the model?

With the iPhone 7 due to be released in September 2016, speculation continues to mount over its new features. While some have suggested that demand for the new model will be low due to lack of innovation, the figures from Business Insider show that ‘demand for the iPhone 7 is healthy'. While Apple has yet to settle on the finished design, we can be pretty sure of a few things...

What's likely to be different?

Headphone jack

One of the major talking points over the last year has been the lack of a headphone socket. This will mean that headphones will connect to the phone via Bluetooth or through its Lightning port. This caused uproar in some circles last year yet insiders have said that a 3.5mm adaptor will be included in the box.

Camera

Rumours surrounding the new camera include the use of dual lenses and enhanced performance in low-light conditions. It is also expected to be upgraded from 8 megapixels to 12 megapixels.

Antenna bands, earpiece cut-outs and light sensor

The antenna bands across the back of the device have reportedly been removed. Meanwhile the earpiece cut-outs are now longer and the ambient light sensor has been moved; presumably as a means to improving performance in low light.

Storage Space

The latest inside news is that Apple will be favouring the 32GB storage option in their most basic model - if true, this seemingly puts an end to the 16GB predecessors that may now struggle given the recent development in app quality.

In fact, a 256GB version, the first of its kind on the iOS platform, has been suggested by technology specialists TrendForce. Perhaps overkill, the space will certainly allow for multiple high-graphic options such as the notorious Disney Infinity 3.0 at 2.26GB.

Combined with the essential movie archive, personal music discography or just your favourite iGaming apps, the iPhone 7 isn't likely to struggle. Indeed, catching the latest Pokémon or playing online bingo directly on your phone should be a breeze come its release later this year.

Processors

Experts expect the iPhone 7 to use next-generation A10 processors from TSMC. In terms of internal storage, entry-level handsets will start at 32GB instead of 16GB.

Size

The new model is expected to be 1mm thinner than the iPhone 6, but at 5.5 inches it will be the same size as the 6s. Apple may indeed be wary of making the product thinner due to the negative press they received over the iPhone 6 in 2014. There were several reports of the inerrant ‘bend problem' which the manufacturer will be keen to quash in its new product.

Name

There are some rumours that Apple will dispense with numerical ordering and refer to the new model as the iPhone Pro. However, others dispute this.

Home Button

Some photos have emerged of the models without the home button; a staple on every single model so far. The suggestion is that Apple will drop the physical button in favour of an onscreen key. Other images suggest that this rumour is false.

What will stay the same?

Two models

Apple plans to continue releasing two models. Some sources suggest that these will be called the iPhone Pro and iPhone Pro Plus; others say they will named simply iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.

Casing

All rumours suggest the iPhone 7 will look very similar to the iPhone 6, with only minor aesthetic changes.

Screens

Apple plans to stick to the 4.7" and 5.5" screens it uses on the current flagship models. The lower-level model (iPhone 7 or iPhone Pro) will have the smaller screen as standard. The flagship model (iPhone 7 Pro Plus or iPhone 7 Plus) will come with the bigger screen as standard.