iPhone 7

First claimed photo of iPhone 7’s A10 chip surfaces

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 10, 2016

We may have just been treated to our first glimpse of Apple's next-generation A10 system-on-a-chip that should power the forthcoming iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus devices.

Leaked on the web through a Weibo account that belongs to Chinese repair shop GeekBar, which in the past provided genuine components for unreleased Apple products, the chip's label suggests it was manufactured in mid-July.

What's more, the package has the same number of pins as its predecessor, potentially alluding that it could sport the same 64-bit LPDDR4 interface like the current A9 chip.

Report alleges fierce competition forced Apple to ditch single-lens iPhone 7 model

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 9, 2016

Based on leaked components, supply chain chatter and analyst reports, it's fairly safe to conclude that Apple will release two iPhone models come this fall—a 4.7-inch iPhone 7 and 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus. For a while, word on the street was that a third, premium iPhone 7 model was in the works as well, referred to in press reports as 'iPhone 7 Pro'.

The logic was, the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus would have regular cameras while the Pro model would come outfitted with a dual-lens system.

As alleged by a Japanese outlet, Apple has killed off the iPhone 7 Pro for good earlier in the summer after experiencing soft iPhone demand amid increased competition.

New video shows off three different iPhone 7 dummies in crisp 4K resolution

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 8, 2016

I known we've had enough of uninspiring iPhone 7 mockups. Also, dummy iPhone cases like this one are a dime a dozen on Chinese sites like Ali Express as vendors have always been eager to produce rumor-based iPhone housings to gain free press.

That said, the 4K video you're about to see offers a different look at three iPhone 7 dummies—one is 4.7-inch and the other two are 5.5 inches—in line with questionable rumors that Apple could ship two different versions of the larger 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus.

Is this our first glimpse at iPhone 7 motherboard?

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 8, 2016

The same source that posted images allegedly showing a claimed iPhone 7 chassis alongside a bunch of SIM trays in Apple Watch-like Space Black finish has now re-published a new photo that seems to picture iPhone 7 logic boards, obtained from Ming Technology on Weibo. Prolific leakster Steve Hemmerstoffer also posted his own iPhone 7 motherboard images.

Leak: claimed iPhone 7 chassis, SIM tray and mute button in Space Black

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 8, 2016

It's still unclear if Apple's rumored new iPhone 7 colorway will be a dark blue variant, as first suggested by Japanese blog Mac Otakara, or an Apple Watch-like Space Black. Today, Carrier China Unicom published an iPhone 7 teaser image on Facebook indicating Deep Blue colorway but now a more credible source has come forward with shots of claimed iPhone 7 components in a hue which appears markedly darker than Space Gray.

Did China Unicom just hint at Deep Blue iPhone 7?

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 8, 2016

Apple's carrier partner China Unicom may have just hinted subtly that the next iPhone could come in an all-new Deep Blue colorway, as first suggested two months ago by the Japanese blog Mac Otakara.

According to Dutch blog TechTastic.nl, China Unicom on its Facebook page posted an image featuring an iPhone 7-like dual lens camera superimposed on a huge “7” surrounded by four squares that allude to existing Space Gray, Gold and Rose Gold colors, plus the rumored Deep Blue colorway.

Soon after, the carrier removed its post from Facebook.

Bloomberg: iPhone 7 to ship with touch-sensitive haptic Home button

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 8, 2016

Bloomberg this morning ran a report which seemingly lends credence to earlier rumors that the next iPhone may include a pressure-sensitive Home button with Force Touch haptic feedback akin to the MacBook trackpad, in addition to improved low-light photography, cleaner antenna bands, iPhone 6s-like design, no headphone jack and more.

Sonny Dickson posts nice-looking iPhone 7/Plus photos, but are they genuine?

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 5, 2016

Noted Australian leakster Sonny Dickson, who made a name for himself by supplying a steady stream of photos showing genuine components for unreleased Apple products, has been pretty silent lately. Silent, but not inactive.

Yesterday, Dickson re-joined the rumor game by tweeting out a pair of quality images that appear to show off a 4.7-inch variant of the iPhone 7 next to its 5.5-inch brethren. Both devices are in Rose Gold and have a tweaked camera design on their backside.

Another hands-on video shows genuine-looking, working Lightning EarPods in action

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 14, 2017

Apple's official Lightning-based EarPods (that could be marketed under the 'AirPods' moniker, according to a trademark filing) were already filmed on video and depicted on leaked photos. Today, UK-based mobile accessory firm MobileFun posted a hands-on video of its own of what appears to be a wired, Lightning-based edition of the EarPods.

Apple, as you know, is widely expected to ditch the 3.5mm headphone jack from its next iPhone in favor of Bluetooth wireless headsets and Lightning-based wired ones, the latter potentially providing lossless digital sound.

Apple said to be building wireless earbuds with low-power Bluetooth chip

Cody Lee ∙ August 4, 2016

Apple has spent the last few years developing a custom Bluetooth radio chip for wireless earbuds, reports Forbes. Citing a source with knowledge of the project, the outlet says the earbuds could be ready to launch this fall.

If true, the timing makes sense, given that Apple is slated to unveil a new iPhone in September. The handset is expected to ship without the customary headphone jack, indicating the company is going all-in on wireless.

Leaked video shows Camera app running on a working iPhone 7 prototype

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 4, 2016

Earlier this morning, we ran some pretty convincing photographs which appear to picture a functional, powered on iPhone 7 running Apple’s internal testing software, called SwitchBoard. Geekbar, the Chinese team who leaked these photos, has now published on Weibo video evidence to convince naysayers. The fit and finish of the claimed device shown in the photos and on this video screams an Apple product.

Supposedly fully functional iPhone 7 caught on video, its display turned on

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 4, 2016

We've seen our fair share of iPhone 7 mockups and dummy cases, but these are all based on rumors. Not once in the past did we see images or videos showing a prototype, if not a fully assembled iPhone 7. Well, that may have changed today as French blog NowhereElse.fr re-published photos from a Weibo account of what site owner Steve Hemmerstoffer described as a possibly functional iPhone 7. The images depict a device with Apple-like fit and finish, the display turned on and showing what's unmistakably the iOS interface.

UPDATE: The claimed device has been caught on video, too.