3DFuture’s iPhone 6C concept, complete with plastic
A new iPhone is always a big source of rumours and speculation, and this year we’ve already heard some very interesting news about what’s to come from Apple in 2016. In fact, this may be the first year where we get three new iPhone models: a 4-inch iPhone 6C, a 4.7-inch iPhone 7 and a 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus. Here’s what we know so far.
4-inch iPhone 6C in mid-2016
For the last two years, Apple has released two iPhone models; a 4.7-inch iPhone and a 5.5-inch iPhone Plus. Next year, Apple will return to the smaller 4-inch form factor that we last saw in the iPhone 5 and 5S. Unlike its plastic predecessor, the 6C will be made from the usual metal materials and will include the last Apple A9 processor inside. Instead, Apple will keep costs down by not including the latest features of the 6S, like the 3D Touch display tech. Storage space might be limited too.
For fans of smaller form factors, this rumour has got to be an exciting one. Best of all, the new model is rumoured to make an appearance in mid-2016, before the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus launch in September.
Sahanan Yogarasa’s iPhone 7 concept
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus in September
Apple have established a release cadence that’ll be familiar to most consumers, and mirrors Intel’s long-running Tick Tock release schedule. A new number means a new design, while an S on the current number means more powerful internals and camera upgrades. Both upgrades can bring new features, although historically more new features have appeared in S releases.
After this year’s 6S and 6S Plus, that means we’re expecting a whole new design for the iPhone 7. Apple has already made its iPhone models bigger, and we don’t expect to see them continue that trend for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. Still, it’s quite possible that we could see a higher resolution display, potentially at 2560 by 1440 pixels.
A more likely upgrade would be storage space – look for Apple to finally move from 16GB to 32GB as their baseline model. Apple has also been making its iPhone models more water resistant as of late, which could point towards a fully waterproof model for 2016.
Here’s one last point – what about an iPhone 7 with the Apple Watch’s digital crown? It wouldn’t be the first time an Apple Watch feature has made the jump to the iPhone, and scrolling through the headlines with a proper spinning dial would be awesome.
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Conclusion
What do you want to see in your next iPhone? Let us know in the comments below!