The latest iPhone 7 rumors all seem to confirm expectations that a 2015 release date is inevitable, but the surprise is the idea that Apple will release three new iPhone models next year, just not two like with the iPhone 6 launch. But will consumers buy into Apple’s attempt at breaking the mold?
In a related report by the Inquisitr, the rumored iPhone 7 or 6s screen specifications may cause the new iPhone to look dramatically different from previous generations. This would especially be true if the display incorporates glasses-free 3D holographic technology that Apple patented a while back. There’s also Apple rumors flying about that the pending Apple Watch release date may coincide with the new iPhone 7 in order to drive up sales.
Timothy Arcuri, an analyst at Cowen and Company, is the source for the new Apple iPhone 7 rumors. The biggest tidbit is that an iPhone 6s mini may step up to replace the iPhone 5c.
“According to Arcuri, it’s ‘possible’ that Apple could launch three new versions of the iPhone next year, with a so-called ‘iPhone 6s mini’ at 4 inches joining the current-generation screen sizes,” reveals Apple Insider .
The current iPhone 6 screen size was bumped up to 4.7 inches, and the iPhone 6 Plus introduced the largest iPhone screen size ever at 5.5 inches. So bringing back the smaller iPhone screen will fill in that niche. As might be expected, the iPhone 7 Plus screen size will once again be in the range of the current iPhone 6 Plus, and it’s expected Apple will stick with a similar curved design. In addition, Arcuri claims the iPhone 6s Mini will come packing with the new Apple A9 CPU, although it will also use “purpose-built low cost components” from Qualcomm in order to keep the price of the device low as possible.
One of the more interesting iPhone 7 rumors is that the iPhone 7 release date will be staggered for the first time in Apple’s history. It is believed the iPhone 6s Mini release date will be in the first half of 2015 and then the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will both release in the fall during the more normal schedule. Experts believe Apple may be planning this launch schedule based upon the assumption the budget buyers will want to upgrade their older iPhone models in this time frame.
This staggered release schedule may be a response to the relative unpopularity of the iPhone 5c, which stood little chance of being noticed when it’s big brother was announced. Apple may be hoping to avoid a similar fate for its low budget offering, so giving the iPhone 6s Mini its own launch date may be enough to entice a higher percentage of buyers.