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iPhone 7 Rumors Pour In As 2016 Approaches: Specs, Features, More Details

By Val Powell
Published on: 20:21 PST, Dec 30, 2015

The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus were the most popular iPhones in history because they catered to both small and big-screen lovers. At the same time, the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus did not want to ruin the momentum for Apple in the phablet market.

So what will Apple bring when it launches the iPhone 7 in 2016?

iPhone 7 Release Date

Since the Cupertino-based manufacturer launched the iPhone back in 2007, the company has released its succeeding versions in the latter half of the year.

In the last five years, Apple has released its new iPhones either in September or October, and the device usually arrives in markets just before the holiday shopping season.

However, for the iPhone 7, some reports claim that the upcoming device will be launched in the summer of 2016, in order to “avoid a potential year-over-year decrease in sales.”

This year, Apple made quite a stir when it launched multiple devices in April, including the thinner and lighter MacBook 2015. Apple may once again hold a summer event in 2016, this time for the new next-gen iPhones.

Twin iPhones Once More

Just like its previous releases, Apple’s iPhone 7 is rumored to arrive with a bigger sibling, possibly named iPhone 7 Plus. The huge success of the twin iPhones has paved the way for Apple to cater to both small and huge screen enthusiasts.

Price point is also one factor that Apple has successfully managed since the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Because there are two options for Apple and iOS fans, they can opt for a cheaper, smaller, but still feature-packed iPhone.

While releasing two iPhones is the most reasonable step for Apple, there is also a rumor claiming that a third iPhone could be launched next year. Dubbed the iPhone 6c, the phone is said to be a much cheaper option, potentially using the same-colored plastic casings of the iPhone 5c.

Rumored Specs, Features

The rumor mill is already rolling with the alleged specs and features of the iPhone 7. A report claims that the new smartphone will have a brand new look, following Apple’s recent strategy of employing new designs for iPhones with “new numbers.”

Naturally, the new device will feature iOS 10, and probably an A10 chip to improve on this year’s A9 chipset.

The long-rumored sapphire display resurfaces once again, and with it comes an even more effective Force Touch technology. Speaking of Force Touch, the ability to choose multiple options by just changing the pressure of the finger enables the designers to do away with the classic home button.

Alleged ‘Leaked’ Video of the iPhone 7 Prototype Minus Home Button

However, since the Touch ID fingerprint sensor is embedded in the home button, rumors say that Apple could place the sensor somewhere else to phase out the button completely.

In addition, Mac Otakara, a Japanese Apple blog, claims that the company might ditch the 3.5mm headphone jack, which could possibly trim its waistline even more. If the company could do it with the new MacBook, leaving just the standard jack and a single USB-C port, it might be brave enough to do the same with the iPhone 7.

Waterproof, Self-Healing Body

Unlike some high-end smartphones in the market, the iPhone neither has water-resistant characteristics (Sony, Samsung flagships) nor self-healing back covers (LG G Flex).

But that may soon change with the upcoming iPhone 7. The smartphone will allegedly be waterproof and feature a self-healing quality, which enables the device to seal ports. Apple has recently been granted patent for the technology, although that move alone does not confirm the new iPhone will indeed carry these features.

[Image by Sean Gallup, Getty Images]

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