iPhone 7 Rumors: Rumored Features Include Wireless Charging, 'Self-Healing' Ports And No Headphone Port
Barely a few months have passed since Apple launched the iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6s Plus, but the web is already buzzing with rumors, reports and leaks about Apple's next flagship phone, the iPhone 7. A Macworld UK report claims that some of the new features that the next phone may carry include wireless charging; a touchscreen with built-in Touch ID; self-healing and therefore waterproof ports and no longer sport a standard headphone port.
The Macworld report rounded up the rumors about the iPhone 7's release date, features and specs to date. When it comes to the device's release date, some reports are pointing to the traditional September launch, which was also the same month that the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus were unveiled. These reports are already speculating on the exact date, which can either be September 6 or 7 or September 13 or 14. Another report however points to a source who claims that Apple may change its schedule this year, looking at a possible summer 2016 event.
In terms of the new phone's design, the report speculates that it may be subject to a major redesign. This is mainly due to Apple's pattern of keeping the same design for two phone generations until they unveil a redesign. According to the report, Sapphire glass for the phone's display may be used this time and liquid metal may be used for the phone's chassis.
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An earlier report that Apple is currently patenting a headphone plug that is slimmer than the usual 3.5mm plug is said to indicate that this plug may be coming to the iPhone 7. With a slimmer plug, the phone can be made as thin as possible, which is one of the expected design changes coming. A more extreme rumor, however, claims that the headphone port may be taken out entirely and replaced by one that is connected through the Lightning port.
Among the new features that the device is rumored to have are self-healing ports. This rumor is based on a patent application made by Apple for a device that has "a self-healing elastomer applied over one or more external electronic connectors." This will allow the port to remain waterproof when not in use.
Wireless charging is one area that the iPhone is lagging behind in compared to other smartphone brands. The report claims that this feature may become a reality with the iPhone 7, as the company has already made it possible with the Apple Watch.
