iPhone 7 Rumors and Updates: Apple's Dual Camera Module, Supply Issues And More
More details about the iPhone 7 emerged over last weekend thanks to leaked images purportedly showing dual-camera module and storage chips meant for Apple's 2016 flagship phones.
The dual-camera on iPhone was speculated months ago when it was rumored that Apple would restrict it to the bigger 5.5-inch Plus variants. According to Forbes, Apple would launch three devices later this year - a 4-inch, 4.7-inch and a 5.5-inch iPhone 7. Dual cameras could be available on all devices, suggest reports based on leaked images of dual-camera module that the leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer claims is that of iPhone 7 Plus.
#iPhone7 Pro/Plus Dual Camera + 16GB/64GB/256GB NAND flash memory chip?... https://t.co/l2D8OHlaWk pic.twitter.com/eLEDK1ic4d
— Steve Hemmerstoffer (@stagueve)
The images also show three variants of SanDisk storage drives purportedly meant for iPhone. These include a 16GB, 64 GB and 256 GB variant. Speculation that Apple could offer a 16 GB iphone 7 was ridiculed by many.
"16GB AGAIN?! This is beyond ridiculous. It should be 32GB minimum - I understand the desire for profit, but a lot of people will get 16GB phones, have a bad experience as they can't store anything, and not be on the latest software. The drawbacks easily outweigh the minor profit gain," wrote one commenter in response to a 9to5 Mac report.
Possibility of dual-camera on the next iPhone has made it highly anticipated but Apple may face component supply issues which could result in last minute change of plans. These issues, due to April earthquake in Japan which affected Sony's factory in Kumamoto, may force Apple to order from Samsung and LG. Reports suggest that the factory may not be functioning efficiently and a supplier change just months before the device's launch could hit launch schedule.
It was also speculated Apple could bring Optical Image Stabilization feature to its smaller iPhone 7; until the last generation of phones, OIS was restricted to the 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus.