Speculation pertaining to Apple’s next-generation iPhone is starting to really heat up as we approach the widely anticipated unveiling of the iPhone SE later this month. A new report is leading with a story that backs up a number of claims and predictions by well-respected KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, most notably that the next-generation iPhone could come in with a thinner form factor than the iPhone 6s, and shaving off approximately 1mm. However, it will be a similar design to the current flagship in terms of overall aesthetics. Additionally, another report doing rounds on the Internet is suggesting that an iPhone 7 Plus with a dual-camera will most likely be called the “iPhone Pro”.
As a general comparison, if the next-generation iPhone does ship with 1mm shaved off the overall form factor, then that would bring it in at approximately 6.1mm in thickness, which is akin to the current-generation iPod touch. It may not sound like a lot, but when you get down to those levels of thickness, 1mm actually makes a heap of difference. Interestingly despite the further reduction in thickness, the camera integration will also be given some thought to ensure that the lens is flush with the body of the device, a speculation that surfaced back in January as well and suggested that Apple will redesign the antenna bands as well.
The reports also suggest that the iPhone 7 will be the first model to ship with stereo speakers, which will take advantage of the space left with the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack at the bottom of the smartphone. What’s interesting is that a number of reports agree on the potential addition of “high-end” features, like a dual-camera system, bbut there’s also a suggestion – albeit a far-fetched one – that Apple could rebrand the larger Plus version of iPhone 7 with dual-cameras and call it the “iPhone Pro”. We’re not sold on that one, but it’s a possibility especially after the rumors circulating that the 4-inch iPhone would be called the iPhone SE, and that the 9.7-inch iPad Air 3 would be officially called the iPad Pro.
Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities has already alluded to his belief that Apple is working internally on two iPhone 7 Plus models. One with a single camera setup, and one with a dual-camera integration for those serious mobile photography lovers. Whether or not the Cupertino-based company chooses to name the Plus version under Pro branding is anyone’s guess. We’ve got the expected iPhone SE unveiling to look forward to later this month on March 21, then it’ll be a speculation overload from there till the iPhone 7 finally drops in.
(Source: MacOtakara [Google Translate], MyDrivers [Google Translate])
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