iPhone 7 Release Date: 2016 Could Be Apple's Last Opportunity to Feature Big Upgrades in Its Smartphone, Says Analyst
The upcoming iPhone 7 could be Apple's last opportunity to feature "blockbuster upgrades," according to a top technology analyst. With previous iPhone models not performing as expected, and the perception in the industry that the market has reached its "peak smartphone," Apple is now faced with the challenge to both increase lackluster sales and create an iPhone 7 that would reverse the market's perception.
Daniel Ives of FBR Capital believes the iPhone 7 could be Apple's "last hurrah in terms of blockbuster upgrades," according to USA Today. A Credit Suisse report issued last week, which also seems to corroborate Ives' statement, warned of "subdued iPhone cycle for the next few quarters."
Analysts and Apple fans have observed that the company follows a predictable cycle, with even-numbered years that bring major design changes, while odd-numbered years bring under-the-hood technology upgrades. With 2016 being an even-numbered year, analysts and Apple followers expect the company to overhaul the iPhone and give it a total redesign and hopefully jaw-dropping innovation.
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As to what upgrades these could be, Ives failed to mention any that could achieve what Apple needs to accomplish. But based on rumors, Apple is expected to have seven prototypes, "all with distinct differences." The upcoming iPhone is also rumored to have water-resistant or waterproof chassis, a pressure-sensitive 3D touch screen, a sapphire display, and possibly an OLED display. It is also expected to keep its Touch ID fingerprint sensor but move away from its Lightning port in favor of a USB Type-C port.
Analysts expect Apple's iPhone 7 to boost sales for the company by increasing the number of shipments, which has been down to 11 percent this year from 28 percent in 2014, according to market researcher IDC. It is also hoped that it would change the current perception of "peak smartphone."
Apple's iPhone 7 is expected to be unveiled in September, but that is not confirmed.
