Apple sticking to the plan will see the next iPhone release date happening in September 2016 or even earlier, possibly August, as rumors suggest. Fans expect that the new flagships to unbox will be called the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus but nothing is definite at the moment.
The details known so far are mostly speculative but some have been backed up by leaks, renders and analysts with solid record of accurate predictions in the past. The list below sums up what likely is the next iPhone would be:
A10 mobile chip and iOS 10
Apple has confirmed that iOS 10 will power the 2016 mobile devices that will roll out from its production line in the coming months. Many believe that the new operating system will work in tandem with A10 processing chip that according to supply chain rumors will exclusively come from TSMC, meaning no Samsung participation at all.
Bigger battery and thicker profile
Rumors peddled by Chinese blog sites indicate that the more powerful and faster 2016 iPhones will require bigger batteries, likely boasting of up to 3100mAh for the phablet version. The supposed battery bump makes sense as increased processing power and speed will certainly require higher level of energy juice.
As a direct result of the next iPhone unpacking with bigger batteries, Business Insider said that all models will be slightly thicker than the 6S and 6S Plus, swelling but not much to 7.3mm from the paper-thin 7.1mm.
Minor but notable build and design revisions
Most analysts are convinced that the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus will look nearly identical to their predecessors - it will be the same build and design but not without the easily noticeable revisions. The rear antenna band will be reportedly pushed further to the edge that will render a clearer rear finish for the next iPhone.
Also set to be ditched is the 3.5mm audio port and its stead, Apple will offer Hi-Fi listening via the Lightning port with option to use the audio connectivity adapter for those who prefer the old-school of enjoying music. Leaked renders also hint the introduction of stereo speakers at the bottom part of the device.
The physical home button will likely become history too, to be replaced by a capacitive key with Touch ID and 3D Touch functionalities.
Dual camera setup
In his recent notes, Apple watcher Ming-chi Kuo shared that dual camera will be part of the next iPhone, specifically for the larger 5.5-inch Plus version. The same model is also thought to get a more generous RAM provision of 3GB (the regular iPhone will make do with 2GB) with the likelihood of being rebranded as iPhone Pro.
Fresh features
Samsung's Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge impressed with wireless charging and water/dust proofing - two killer features that Apple is said to pick up and further improve in time for the next iPhone launch.
Rollout and pricing
It's possible too that the sequel to the 2015 models will be called as iPhone 6SE instead of iPhone 7 since the industrial design remains the same. And on release date, likely between late August and anytime in September 2016, the next iPhone will sell starting at $650 for the 4.7-inch edition and $750 for the supersized model.