July 30, 2016 update: It doesn't take a huge leap of faith to predict that Apple will introduce the next iPhone during the first few weeks of September. But new information leaked by a reliable, veteran source is pointing to a specific date.
With a good track record behind him, Evan Blass has thrown his hat into the ring. In a series of tweets, he first suggested that pre-orders would begin on September 9, then reported that the iPhone 7 would be released the week of September 12, and then further refined that prediction, identifying a specific day: Friday, September 16. Given what we know about past timelines, this would likely place the date of an Apple announcement on the preceding Tuesday or Wednesday (the 5th or 6th), followed by pre-orders beginning on Friday the 9th, the launch of iOS 10 on the 15th, and culminating with the iPhone 7 hitting stores on the 16th.
Also, in the wake of rumors that the iPhone 7 will ditch the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, this week Tinhte.vn published convincing new images of a Lightning to 3.5mm adapter. Such an adapter would ostensibly provide a work-around for iPhone 7 owners looking to use standard, wired headphones. That noted, the iPhone 7 is expected to come with updated EarPods that connect via Lighting -- or, in a somewhat longer shot -- Bluetooth.
Design
In recent years, Apple has alternated annually between major design changes and minor upgrades. That's expected to change in 2016. The overall consensus among analysts and rumor-mongers, supported by many unofficial photos and videos leaked during the past few months, is that for the second year in a row we're likely to see mostly modest, superficial changes -- call it the "iPhone 6SS," if you will.
Perhaps the most dramatic change still in play would be the addition of a rumored third "Pro" model. According to multiple sources, Apple's portfolio, which was already extended to include the new SE model in March 2016, may soon include an iPhone 7, an iPhone 7 Plus -- and an iPhone 7 Pro. Leaked photos that first surfaced in July 2016 on Nowhereelse.fr appear to show three such different models. But recent rumors have suggested that Apple will probably stick with only two models.
The other biggie involves the 3.5mm headphone jack -- which has been MIA in many recently leaked photos. The thought is that Apple, always pushing the envelope on killing off legacy ports and media, is removing the one that even predates the 1979 Sony Walkman.
If true -- and we're betting it is -- it leaves a few options on the table. Apple could bundle new Lightning-tipped EarPod headphones (or sell them separately). Or it could throw in a Lightning-to-minijack adapter, as Motorola is doing with its Moto Z (which has only a USB-C port). And, of course, since Apple owns Beats, you can expect some fancy new wireless PowerBeats to arrive alongside iPhone 7, too. (Like most other phones, you could use the iPhone 7 with any existing Bluetooth headphones or speakers, too.)
Camera
Many sources are expecting a significant step up in quality with the iPhone 7's camera. In mid-March 2016, Taiwanese site Apple.club.tw posted what it says are images of a dual-camera module that it says will be included on the iPhone 7 Plus. The LG G5 and Huawei P9 already sports dual rear cameras, which offer more flexible photography options (including wider angle shots).
Since then, a steady stream of sources have bolstered the dual lens rumor. According to the rumors, the dual camera would likely be included on the 5.5-inch-screen iPhone 7 Plus and/or Pro, but probably not the standard 4.7-inch-screen iPhone 7
Everything else
Another possible advantage of the new iPhone may be full waterproofing. (That may be a side benefit of losing the headphone jack and getting a flush home button.) While many Samsung Galaxy phones have been dunk-proof for years, it would certainly be a welcome feature on the iPhone.
On the component front, an analyst firm has predicted that the iPhone 7 will support a whopping 256GB of storage space, matching the iPad Pro and offering lots more room for apps and videos. The firm, Trendforce, also predicts that the phone will get a memory boost to 3GB in the 5.5-inch model.
In June, BGR reported that Chinese shopping site Weibo had posted prices for three iPhone 7 models, with storage tiers starting at 32GB; the current entry-level iPhone models start at a paltry 16GB. That rumor was effectively confirmed by The Wall Street Journal's Joanna Stern on July 5.
.Source: http://www.cnet.com/products/apple-iphone-7/
Very informative. Long tho.... And the iPhone would still be crazily expensive.
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