iPhone 7 Release Date, Specs & Rumors: Next Apple Phone May Have a 21 Pixel Camera, Reversible USB Connector

Created by Julia Harris Jan 13 2015, 13:14 PM EST

The rumor mill is generating much talk about Apple's newest smartphone, and a big question is what the model will be called. Previously, Apple released the iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and so on. It is likely that the next smartphone will be called the iPhone 6S rather than the iPhone 7, but then agqin, Apple released the iPhone 6 Plus alongside the iPhone 6 in 2014. Will Apple ditch the "S" and simply call the new smartphone iPhone 7? We can only speculate, so let's explore the rumors about the iPhone 7.

iPhone 7 Design

New design rumors stem from an Apple patent published in 2015 that describes "sidewall displays" similar to the Galaxy Note Edge display, reports PC Advisor.

The patent reveals a future iPhone display that extends onto the sides of the device. The new design would provide touch sensitive areas that enables access to music player controls, slide-to-unlock functionality, caller ID, messaging readout, system controls and more.

Another rumor hinted by an Apple patent is the iPhone 7's Touch ID fingerprint sensor. The sensor is typically located beneath the Home button but could be built-in to the entire display to make room for a larger display and eliminating the Home button.

A larger display is welcome, but consumers want higher resolution that rivals competitors like the Galaxy Note 4 and the LG G3. (the iPhone 6 Plus's display is 401ppi, whereas the Galaxy Note 4 display is 518 pixels per inch).

Currently there are no leaked images of the iPhone 7.

iPhone 7 Features

The iPhone 7 is rumored to have a faster processor with the A9 coupled with an M9 co-processor. Other improvements expected include longer battery life and wireless charging.

Rumors surfaced in November 2014 that the iPhone 7's camera will make Apple history. It will reportedly have a two-lens system that could capture "DSLR-quality imagery," Daring Fireball's John Gruber told The Tech Block. The camera is also expected to be up to 21-megapixels.

The new iPhone charger is rumored to have a Lightning connector on one end and a new reversible USB connector on the other end.