iPhone 7 Release Date, Specs, News and Rumors: No Spectacular Changes Until 2017?

More than a year ahead of the impending release of iPhone 7, speculation is rife about Apple's plans for its 2017 flagship.

The rumors come on the heels of inputs from Ming-Chi Kuo, the Wall Street analyst who helps investors with predictions about Apple's future releases. Kuo recently predicted Apple's phone in 2017 will feature a glass casing and OLED screen. A 5.8-inch premium variant will also be launched, alongside the 4.7-inch phone.

The Sun reports the glass is actually a fusion of titanium, nickel, copper and zirconium resulting in a glassy composition. The technology first made news through a 2013 patent Apple filed. The company has not made it available to its users yet. Next year's phone however could see its arrival, believes Kuo.

The analyst predicted that availability of OLED screens would determine Apple's offering next year. If sufficient screens are available, 4.7-inch and 5.8-inch variants could be made available. Any shortfall in OLED display availability would see Apple release a 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch LCD phones and a premium 5.8-inch OLED phone.

Writing in Forbes, Mark Rogowsky termed Kuo's claims absurd. According to the former, the supply of OLED screens to manufacturers is strong given that many phone makers use OLED screens. He also opined Apple is unlikely to break away from its time-tested practice of launching two models a year and that launching three models seems highly unlikely.

Kuo predictions also suggest thinner iPhones next year as amorphous alloys can help lowering thickness without losing strength. iPhone 6, the thinnest iPhone made, measured 6.9 mm. Following its releases, it was plagued by complaints of yield (read 'bendgate').

If his analysis proves true, Kuo's suggestions indicate this year's iPhone 7 would not feature a major design revamp. However, does the removal of headphone jack, inclusion of second speaker and a dual-lens camera not constitute big changes?