The iPhone 7 is set to be one of the most boring updates Apple’s ever released. The new iPhone will look just like the iPhone 6/6s, except a new report claims it will have some minor tweaks on the front you probably won’t even notice.
Apple allegedly plans to tweak the top ear speaker on the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus so that the opening is slightly longer, according to Macotakara. As a result, most protective films that worked on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s probably won’t fit the iPhone 7.
The site also claims the ambient light sensor will move from the left side to the right side of the device. The rear camera opening on the iPhone 7 will supposedly be slightly larger, and the report “confirms” that the iPhone 7 Plus will upgrade to a dual-lens camera.
It’s also been rumored that Apple plans to ditch the headphone jack on the iPhone 7, making way for a second speaker at the bottom. The antenna bands of the rear shell have also been simplified, according to alleged leaks out of China.
Even if Apple adds other features like waterproofing, a speedier A10 processor, more RAM and improved 3D Touch, it sounds like the company’s new smartphone will be a bit lackluster. Apple is expected to reveal the iPhone 7 sometime this fall.
Buster Hein is a freelance writer who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Twitter: @bst3r.
19 responses to “iPhone 7 will have more tiny design changes you won’t notice”
I really like the design of the 6/S/Plus, so I wouldn’t actually be too upset if they stuck with the same general design for all future iPhones. I know that’s not “innovative” or “New” or “Rad”, but if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. Upgrade the insides, make it waterproof, and add a better camera. That’s all I need in order to be happy. Sure, tweak the outer design ever-so-slightly every so often, but I don’t think we need a major redesign.
Agreed. I don’t get the need people have to see a complete redesign of the outer shell. Sometimes the best product design is evolutionary rather the revolutionary. That’s why I’m on the “S” cycle with my iPhone purchases. I skipped the 6 and still have my 5s, so I’m excited for the 7.
I mean, I DO get it… it’s because people want it to look different so others KNOW they have the latest phone. Which, in my opinion is rather silly.
I agree, the outside is being superficial, it’s what’s inside that actually counts.
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Let’s be honest, this ain’t no iPhone 7. It’s really iPhone 6SS.
Why? Because of the case they use? That’s being rather superficial about what the real differences are.
You know, some auto mfg. keep the same body style for sometimes 5 to 7 years before they do any major style changes. I don’t have a problem with the case style as I do what’s on the inside. If it performs dramatically better, then it’s a major update, case could be the same and it would still be a major update.
The OP is actually right – and it has nothing to do with superficiality. The fact is that, until now, Apple upped the number when they redesigned the case – no question about it. Using that same logic (and provided the rumors are correct), this iPhone does not deserve the iPhone 7 moniker. Simple logic.
The name does not imply its value as an upgrade. The iPhone 5s was a huge internal upgrade, I think, and well worth the purchase. But it was “just” an ‘s’.
I don’t think naming the new iPhone the iPhone 6SS will go down well if you have any historical knowledge of WWII
Why are so many people obsessed over the outside look of the phone?
The superficial focus on the superficial.
Because they want their case to cover a prettier phone, duh.
It would be nice if they brought them out in completely different colours. I want a red one please.
A “bit lackluster”? This isn’t shaping up to be boring, it is shaping up to be a disaster, especially for stockholders. I suppose if you are still clinging to a 4, and choose to buy this snooze on Apple’s one year plan, you could justify upgrading and moving on to anniversary edition in 2017 (hey – I claim it first – iPhone AE in 2017), but I can’t see the justification for any 5, 5s, 6, or 6s customer rally to support this edition…
“…but I can’t see the justification for any 5, 5s, 6, or 6s customer really to support this edition…” – everyone’s allowed an opinion, of course, but I doubt many people share it. At least I don’t. An iPhone 5 owner should want one just on the basis of TouchID – never mind the other features listed later….an iPhone 5s owner will enjoy ApplePay, a much better camera – never mind the other features listed later….an iPhone 6 owner (this is me) will enjoy optical image stabilization, 3D-Touch and no-hands “Hey Siri” – never mind the other features listed later…an iPhone 6s owner will enjoy more base storage and memory, optical zoom, better/more speakers, and wireless (maybe hybrid -see below) earpods in the box
I think that there’s plenty of improvements even for a 6s owner – an iPhone 5 owners will be showered with new features.
About my ‘hybrid’ comment above: that’s just my conjecture. We’re reasonably sure Apple will drop the 3.5mm headphone jack for the iPhone 7. So what will come bundled? Two choices: lightning-cable-based earpods or BT earpods. It just so happens that Apple was recently awarded a patent for headphones that an be BOTH: where the ‘Y’ is on cable-based headphones, the patent has a mag-safe style connector. When connected, the headphones would use the wired lightning connection AND charge the earpods. When one yanks on the magsafe connection and separates the wire, the earpods continue via bluetooth. Extremely cool, no? In my mind, the only question is whether Apple wants to bite the bullet margin-wise and include such premium part in the package.
If the rumours are true about the midnight Blue.. Count me for an upgrade lol
Bloggers are a funny bunch. Lackluster, eh? Only to you guys. That being said, smartphones are at the point where design isn’t going to change a whole lot. What are people expecting Apple to change the design to? People have to accept that Apple’s design is going to be pretty much the same as Samsung’s: a rectangular slab of glass and metal. New awesome features are going to be pretty much in software or internal hardware. Oh, the horrors.
I’m happy with the look and feel of the iPhone 6 so if iPhone 7 is the same with behind the hood upgrades then I am ok with that. Looking forward to upgrading.
Waterproofing and camera upgrades (not to mention that cool blue) would be enough to get me to upgrade. I use my iPhone GPS on a motorcycle and the ability to keep riding when it begins to rain instead of pulling over to put a zip lock bag around it is worth it to me.
I can hardly wait to upgrade my iPhone 6s plus (irony)