Just months after the release of iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, rumours about their successor have started pouring in.
With more than half a year remaining for the possible launch of Apple's next flagship, a fresh report by Taiwan-based UDN news site points out the new features of the iPhone 7 or the 6S (whatever Apple plans on calling it). Apple always makes noticeable upgrades to new flagships every year.
If the rumours are to be believed, Apple is planning on introducing an overhauled camera module with dual-lens camera and optical zoom function, UDN's ever-so-reliable sources in the Asian supply chain stated. As a result, the images will be clearer with improved low-light performance of the camera. According to the sources, iPhone 7's camera module will be the biggest selling point as the hardware specs are expected to be similar to the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.
Apple has already been praised for its camera advancement in the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus models, which include features like focus pixels, face detection, exposure control, auto stabilization, optical image stabilization, photos app and panorama. These techniques have been made possible with Apple's best-ever iSight camera module.
Besides the camera development in the rumored iPhone 7, the supply chain sources also hinted at a 3D pressure sensor, Force Touch, for the new iPhone. Taipei-based touch module supplier TPK is expected to provide the technology that would accurately measure the user's blood pressure and pulse. TPK's pressure sensor technology will be seen for the first time in the Apple Watch. But there is little data to support the integration.
Meanwhile, a fresh report that adds to the rumour mill suggests that the iPhone 7 will be curved, or at least will have a flexible screen, IT Wire reported. The information is based on the recent patent approval granted to Apple by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, last week for "flexible touch-sensitive layers, and flexible display cover layers."
Other usual upgrades like a better battery, faster processor and sharper display will embrace the next Apple flagship. Expected release date of the new handset will be around September, given Apple's history of launching new iPhones in that month. But these rumours regarding the specs of the upcoming iPhone must be taken with a pinch of salt as there is a long time ahead of the launch and a good chance that Apple's plans will change over the due course.
