The iPhone 7 expected in 2016 could boast some major design changes and finally rock a sapphire display among other highlights, an analyst suggests.
Apple has only just released its iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, but the rumor mill is already busy churning in anticipation of the next big thing: the iPhone 7. The company is expected to plan great things for its next-generation iPhone, which could feature the biggest design change ever.
When it comes to Apple-related predictions and expectations, two voices are generally heard: KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster, both of which have an excellent track record.
Predictions from these two experts typically carry significant weight, and Munster's latest investors note regarding the iPhone 7 is definitely exciting to say the least.
According to reports, Munster said that his contacts suggested a dramatic redesign for the iPhone 7, marking the first restyle from the ground up. The analyst discusses several design changes including the home button, the display and more.
First of all, Apple will reportedly ditch the home button with its next-generation iPhone 7, as it can now rely on 3D Touch. With more real estate left due to the home button removal, Munster believes that Apple will either make the iPhone 7's display bigger or make the smartphone smaller.
At the same time, Munster reckons that the Touch ID fingerprint scanner would be a hurdle, as it's currently embedded into the home button. If it wants to remove the home button, Apple will have to relocate the fingerprint reader.
"We believe a home-buttonless iPhone has a 50 percent chance for the iPhone 7," Munster adds.
The analyst further notes that another area of focus for the iPhone 7 will likely be battery life. Apple has already moved to significantly boost the battery performance for its MacBook lineup by packing more efficient software and processors and could pull a similar scheme with its upcoming iPhone as well.
Another high area of interest, meanwhile, relates to the display. Apple has long been rumored to equip its iPhones with sapphire displays, but the company used sapphire only for the Apple Watch so far. That may well change next year with the iPhone 7, which could finally rock the extra-resistant sapphire screen.
"Since Apple now uses sapphire on the Apple Watch, it could make sense for them to adapt it to the phone. We note that Apple is using the stronger aluminum from the Apple Watch Sport for the iPhone 6S case," Munster explains.
The iPhone 7 is still one year away, but anticipation is nonetheless building up already. More predictions, reports, leaks and rumors will surely surface in the future, but make sure to take everything with a grain of salt.
