Rumors are, without a doubt, ingrained into the smartphone industry, and oftentimes they drum up plenty of attention for an upcoming flagship. But sometimes they’re not always such good news.
This year is a big year for Apple. The company has its Worldwide Developers Conference scheduled to run between June 13 and June 17, and during its keynote speech the Cupertino-based company is expected to announce a lot of different things. That includes new software for Macs, which could be called macOS.
But it’s not hard to argue that this year’s probably all about iOS. This year Apple will debut iOS 10 or iOS X, or maybe it’ll be called something else entirely. Whatever the case, the potential for Apple to make some really big changes, and add noteworthy, and maybe even oft-requested features, is pretty high. Could Apple finally introduce the ability to select default apps? Maybe!
In truth, I believe a lot of people are starting to really hope that the next version of iOS is a big one, because the Rumor Mill has not been necessarily kind when it comes to Apple’s next attempt at a flagship smartphone. It’s certainly interesting to see the rumors and unconfirmed reports painting a picture of the “iPhone 7” and “iPhone 7 Plus” that isn’t too thrilling right now.
Of course, we’re still months away from Apple actually announcing their next hero device, so it’s possible a lot of these rumors aren’t true, and that many of them might not be representing the actual device, but most bets seem to be on Apple’s next iPhone being underwhelming.
Right now, the more circulated rumors suggest that Apple is planning to launch the iPhone 7 without a 3.5mm headphone jack (even if that’s now being questioned), and that the antenna lines on the back will be repositioned to offer a smoother rear panel. There could be a second speaker on the iPhone 7 thanks to the removal of that 3.5mm headphone jack, and rumors suggest the iPhone 7 could boast a Smart Connector, too.
The iPhone 7 Plus, however, is getting a bit more positive attention, thanks to rumors suggesting the handset will feature a dual-camera system on the back. It could also be called the iPhone 7 Pro.
For what’s being rumored at this point, the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus/Pro aren’t indicating a major overhaul in many areas. Basically, this is sounding more like an “iPhone 6ss,” rather than what we’ve come to expect from the non-S upgrade cycle. The fact that rumors suggest Apple will launch the iPhone 7 with the same design as the iPhone 6s, just with redesigned antenna lines, is not good news in my opinion.
It also doesn’t help that analysts are now saying that Apple is actually planning on making 2016 a quiet year for the iPhone, and instead planning some major changes and additions for the next iPhone, which is expected in 2017. In fact, those same analysts are saying that Apple will call it the “iPhone 8,” completely skipping an “S” upgrade cycle completely.
The iPhone 8 is already rumored to feature an all-glass body design, boast an OLED display, feature wireless charging, and no physical Home button. That’s a pretty big update! And, if I’m being perfectly honest, that’s exactly what I want to see this year. That kind of upgrade is something worth shelling out money for.
As it stands right now, the Rumor Mill is telling me that upgrading to the iPhone 7 this year is probably not all that worth it. Especially for the folks out there that don’t want to switch to the bigger iPhone 7 Plus, which, if it is indeed getting that dual-camera system, is the only device actually adding something worthwhile.
Looking at the tea leaves here, it doesn’t sound like Apple is going to launch an exciting iPhone this year. The rumors are pretty straightforward in that Apple’s next iPhone will be a quiet upgrade, with more power and a slightly bigger battery than its immediate predecessor, but significantly lacking in the features department.
But then there’s Tim Cook, Apple’s current CEO and forever optimist when it comes to the company’s products. He recently went on TV to talk with former hedge fund manager Jim Cramer on Mad Money, and tried his best to inflate the possibilities of the future. He talked about having “great innovation in the pipeline,” but obviously wouldn’t go into any retail detail. Apple probably has a lot being worked on right now, but, if the rumors are true, it doesn’t sound like many of those things are going into the iPhone 7.
So here’s my question to you: Are you weighing these rumors at all when you’re looking ahead to your next smartphone upgrade? If Apple launches the iPhone 7 with the features so often rumored, would you upgrade? Or are you already preparing yourself to wait, and just upgrade in 2017 with the iPhone 8?
Right now, I wouldn’t upgrade. I’d wait for the next one. But I’ve got my fingers crossed that the iPhone 7 is something more than what the rumors are painting it to be.
