Apple iPhone 7 wrap-up: Expected price, release, specification details

Technology major Apple is preparing the stage for the annual product launch event in San Francisco on Sept. 7, where it is slated to unveil the much-awaited iPhone 7 series.

Unlike previous years, the hype around the iPhone 7 is little subdued this time as numerous reports have indicated that the upcoming device will not have any ground-breaking technology, as the company plans to incorporate major changes to the iPhone series in 2017, to mark its 10th anniversary. However, 2016-based models will still have upgrades in terms of internal hardware like processor, storage and camera, and minor cosmetic alteration. 

To provide a better perspective on iPhone 7 series, we have sifted through multiple reports and lined up a set of key features, which are likely to make the cut in the new Apple product.

Design and display:

Both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are expected to feature almost the same design language and screen size of the 4.7-inch (750×1334p) and 5.5-inch (1920x1080p) predecessors, respectively. They are also said to feature an improved Touch 3D v2.0 with more functional abilities.

To enhance the video viewing experience on the handsets, Apple is expected to incorporate the True Tone display feature, like the iPad Pro series.

Key changes include USB Type-C lightning port, which acts as a connector for earpods and charging. The 3.5mm audio jack will be missing, but this alteration has been made to make space for second single-grille load speaker.

It is also believed that both the iPhone 7 models will come with IP6X water-and-dust resistant certifications.

Another cosmetic change that one can expect in the new iPhone is that the awkward white antenna lines, which used to ruin the smooth look at the back of the iPhone 6S series, have been moved to the top side edge.

Processor, RAM and Storage:

It is believed that both the iPhone 7 variants will come packed with new 2.45GHz A10 CPU (+ M10 co-processor), which is said to be 20-30 percent more powerful than A9.

After years of complaints, Apple is finally making the change in storage structure. Numerous reports have indicated that 32GB, 128GB and 256GB storage tiers will replace 16GB, 64GB and 128GB.

As far as the RAM capacity is concerned, the iPhone 7 will have 2GB, while the bigger iPhone 7 Plus is said to have 3GB capacity.

Camera:

The 4.7-inch iPhone 7 is reportedly coming with 12MP primary camera with 1/2.6-inch sensor, F/1.9 aperture and 1:3 microns pixels, whereas the iPhone 7 Plus is said to boast two 12MP cameras on the back with 1x wide angle and 1x telephoto lenses, 1/3-inch sensor and F/1.9 aperture.

The primary camera of both the devices is also said to come with enhanced ambient light sensors, and camera flash LEDs have been doubled from two to four with warm and cool colours.

As far as the front-camera is concerned, Apple iPhone 7 and 7 Plus are expected to have the same 5MP FaceTime HD camera

Battery:

It is believed that the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus would come with 1,960mAh and 2,190mAh batteries, respectively. With iOS 10's optimisation feature, the battery life of the new devices is expected to be better than the iPhone 6S series.

Value-added feature:

Touch Force:

It is widely reported that the new iPhone 7 series will have touch-sensitive home button with bio-metric sensor and will come with Force touch feature.

The Force touch trackpad is not a new feature, and has already been used on Apple Watch and the recently-released Macs. When the user initiates Force click by pressing on the trackpad, it opens up many apps and system features on the Mac. For instance, if the user Force clicks on an address option on anyone on their contact list, it gives a Maps preview of that location.

Force Touch is powered by the Taptic Engine, a tiny motorised actuator that provides haptic feedback – subtle tactile sensations, such as vibration, which are detected by sense of touch.

Release:

Soon after the unveiling of new iPhone 7 series on Sept. 7, it will be put up for pre-order on Sept. 9 and will go on sale the following week, on Sept. 16, in select markets.

Price:

As per a report from China, prices of the 4.7-inch iPhone 7 and the 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus would start from CNY 5,288 (approx. $752/€710/Rs. 53,012) and CNY 6,088 (roughly $912/€818/Rs. 61,033), respectively

Both the models are said to come in five colour options — Dark Black, Piano Black (limited quantities for 256GB variant only), Gold, Rose Gold and Silver.

Expected price of Apple iPhone 7 series (in China):