“Apple is taking a big gamble with the iPhone 7,” Gordon Kelly writes for Forbes. “The headline change will be the controversial removal of the headphone jack (a move I predicted 19 months ago), but it doesn’t stop there.”
“MacRumors has uncovered two more significant changes Apple will make to the iPhone 7 and the good news is they are likely to be very popular,” Kelly writes. “This first concerns the camera and is something Apple has been itching to do for years: kill off the ugly bulge seen on the back of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S. According to MacRumors, the iPhone 7 will feature the first truly flush rear camera since the iPhone 5S in 2013.”
“Also smartening things up is MacRumors’ declaration that the iPhone 7 will do away with the unseamly antenna bands on the rear the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S,” Kelly writes. “This will result in a cleaner look, though I’d wish for some sort of subtle anti-slip texture… On the downside, the antenna bands apparently will still need to be kept on the edges of the iPhone 7 so it won’t be a 100% uniform look.”
MacDailyNews Take: We’re totally onboard with losing the antiquated 3.5mm headphone jack for Lightning. Do it, Apple!
We tried really hard to get excited about the partial removal of antenna bands but found we couldn’t give two shits. A truly flush camera is, however, a meaningful improvement, so bring that one on, too. Now, make the things out of Liquidmetal with sapphire displays and we’ll really get excited!
Below, the back of an iPhone 6s contrasted with an “iPhone 7” mockup. Does that seem like enough of a “design change” for an “all-new” (non-“S”) iPhone generation? We know Jony’s been handing off some projects lately (ahem), but he’s not going to handoff the next gen. iPhone, too, is he?
iPhone 6s rear casing (top) vs. iPhone 7 mockup based on rumors
I don’t have any problem at all with the current antenna bands. I think they are a nice design feature that adds a break to an otherwise boring blank space……and who looks at the back of the phone for long anyway?
I could go either way on the headphone jack. if its adds reliability or increases battery life then yeah do it NOW. Battery life, Camera and software reliability is what I want in iPhone 7.
I wish they would figure out some way for it not to slip out of your hand, but still slip easily into your pocket. And not get pocket lint in the Lightning port.
I seriously doubt they will keep the form factor the same… No way…its need a new, exciting refreshed look.
Other than making it thinner, removing headphone jack, adding a major new camera system, possibly using different materials other than aluminum, how much different can you make it look?
Chances are, you’re not going to see anything radical until:
1. Apple decides to get rid of Home Button & integrate TouchID within the screen
I’d like to see a return to the 4 through 5s shape. It’ll make it easier to grip and actually pick up off of a tabletop.
The 4S with the rubber bumper was my favorite design and feel for a phone. The rubber bumper gave it a good grip and the bumper was just enough to keep the lens off a sticky pub table
Except for very short periods, like days weeks, my iPhones since ’07 have always been in a case. Therefore, I don’t really/really care for the bands, nor the protruding camera. I care much more about having a significant jump in performance, or functionality. These are hardly game changers…merely refinements.
Apple, increase the processor performance and extend the battery life, things that customers actually care about.
I can’t imaging anyone being pleased with needing to buy new headphones. Just make the battery thicker, and longer lasting, to match the current connector.
Most freebie earbud phones, including those from Apple, are designed to last only as long as it takes you to walk out the door.
High end companies like B&W and Grado and stuff will offer you a lifetime product with noticeable quality improvement everywhere. But none of the audio companies out there recommend bluetooth over cable. Wires are always superior in signal quality and reliability and battery life and total cost.
Apple’s also got a problem with its current minijacks. If you push in any headphone too far it will activate commands in the phone. It’s an Apple flaw. High end headphone manufacturers in fact add an oRing to prevent users from accidentally pushing in the headphone jack too far. It’s well documented on audiophile sites and stuff. Apple needs to fix this with a properly designed heavy duty minijack, not an overpriced external DA converter to support existing headphones.
“Most freebie earbud phones, including those from Apple, are designed to last only as long as it takes you to walk out the door.”
Yea, but not Apple’s EarPODS, their pretty cool!
Until the iPhone is totally indestructible and scratch-proof, I’m using a case. I drop my phone way too much to leave it naked. From the huge market in cases, I know I’m not alone.
Since I must use an after market case, hiding antennas and shrinking the lens are pointless. And removing the headphone port, by itself, is only removing capabilities. If removing the ports leads to more battery power or additional capabilities, fine. But, again, Apple’s slippery iPhone design already means I have to use a case. Thus I am use to using a fatter iPhone than Apple thinks people want. If Apple uses dropping the headphone port to further slim down the iPhone, I’m going to regard that as a bad trade off.
So for people like me, until Apple makes a more grip-able phone with a stronger and more scratch resistant screen, surface appearance and thinness are not important because they are masked by the case. I honestly can’t tell you what color my phone is. I haven’t seen it without a case since the day I bought it.
As it is, I would like to see a thicker phone with optical zoom, larger optical sensor, better cell and wifi reception, more accurate GPS, and more accurate motion sensors.
Isn’t a little strange that a major factor in iPhone marketing is the iPhone’s sleek and visually exciting looks, yet a largensegment of its users immediately cover the device and never see the exterior again?
This is proof that one of Steve Jobs’ real strengths was keeping Jony Ive in check. Steve wanted beautiful design, but he also wanted useful practicality. Ive’s annual approach seems to be that last year’s design was ugly and must be replaced. I suppose it works for panties or shoes, but he’s taken it a few steps too far in the last couple of years.
No one said the design was the same. They simply said the antenna lines won’t exist. I’m taking that to mean that whatever new design there is… Won’t have antenna breaks on the back.
Too bad MDN didn’t read the article on Zdnet titled “iPhone 7: It’s time for innovation and reinvention, not gimmicks”. It was a perceptive article that pointed out real needs instead of gimmicks like the headphone jack. MDN has made a crusade out of a ‘fix’ for a problem that isn’t a problem. Apple is just shuffling around insignificant minutiae instead of adding real value to the phone. I’ll just keep on taking good care of my 5s.
“We’re totally onboard with losing the antiquated 3.5mm headphone jack for Lightning. Do it, Apple!”
Ya, when the world economy is still getting worse and worse, and more and more people (Apple customers) are losing their jobs, and or cutting spending on the unnecessary extras, let’s make them all have to dish out more cash for new headphones and all kinds of adapters to use the Lightning port instead of the 3.5mm jack that everyone is already set up to use. Brilliant idea, and fantastic timing. Keep thinking about no-one but yourself MDN and Apple, as you’ve always done. I will not be one of the mindless drones dishing out more cash to Apple just to lose basic functionality because Apple wants more money from me for a lesser product. Oh, and headphones, one more thing to charge all the time, awesome idea!
True that. Apple needs to seriously get their designers to think about the user. Selling overpriced wireless headphones is not the answer. It’s an option already, and look how many people like bluetooth headphones: not a single audiophile, and few from the middle class, and absolutely zero in cash-strapped growing markets. What a stupid idea to abandon something that ain’t broken.
Give the people what they want: more battery and more intuitive UI.
Hello People! The new iPhone will include lightning connecter headphones. I’m sure sound quality will be higher on Lightning wired headphones. Pure digital crisp sound. The 3.5mm headphone jack goes back to the ’80s I believe. It’s time to move on. Does Tesla worry about people only willing to buy gas guzzlers?
Apple isn’t afraid of pushing the world forward. There will be plenty of old phones left for people not willing to make the leap forward.
I can’t see the logic of MDM’s take asking of Jony Ive “Does that seem like enough of a “design change” for an “all-new” (non-“S”) iPhone generation?” when the image shown is merely a Photoshop mock-up based on a rumour.
None of us know what the iPhone 7 will really look like and if anybody has spotted what they believe is an early version of an iPhone 7, they would do well to remember that Apple sometimes makes prototypes that are housed in what appears to be older shells so as not to attract attention.
I don’t have any problem at all with the current antenna bands. I think they are a nice design feature that adds a break to an otherwise boring blank space……and who looks at the back of the phone for long anyway?
Your family sitting across the table from you, the commuter on the two hour train ride sitting across from you.
yet my phone is incased by a plastic housing and my hand covers the phone mostly – whats your point?
They’ll be too busy looking down at their own iPhones. 😉
I could go either way on the headphone jack. if its adds reliability or increases battery life then yeah do it NOW. Battery life, Camera and software reliability is what I want in iPhone 7.
you KNOW they won’t use the space savings for more battery. They’ll make the phone a micron thinner or whatever.
Me, I’d just like a phone that isn’t slippery as teflon.
I have a Mophie case to solve two of my main issues: a slippery shell and poor battery life for the iPhone 6 Plus.
I wish they would figure out some way for it not to slip out of your hand, but still slip easily into your pocket. And not get pocket lint in the Lightning port.
I seriously doubt they will keep the form factor the same… No way…its need a new, exciting refreshed look.
Other than making it thinner, removing headphone jack, adding a major new camera system, possibly using different materials other than aluminum, how much different can you make it look?
Chances are, you’re not going to see anything radical until:
1. Apple decides to get rid of Home Button & integrate TouchID within the screen
2. Apple shifts to OLED screens
Well there are infinite design possibilities… Just compare 5 vs. 6… Very different .
I’d like to see a return to the 4 through 5s shape. It’ll make it easier to grip and actually pick up off of a tabletop.
The 4S with the rubber bumper was my favorite design and feel for a phone. The rubber bumper gave it a good grip and the bumper was just enough to keep the lens off a sticky pub table
Except for very short periods, like days weeks, my iPhones since ’07 have always been in a case. Therefore, I don’t really/really care for the bands, nor the protruding camera. I care much more about having a significant jump in performance, or functionality. These are hardly game changers…merely refinements.
Looks like I’ll be holding on to my 6+ for a long time. Like my 17″ MBP.
Also, does the removal of the antenna bands make any difference when most people put the phone in a case? Who even sees them?
Apple, increase the processor performance and extend the battery life, things that customers actually care about.
I can’t imaging anyone being pleased with needing to buy new headphones. Just make the battery thicker, and longer lasting, to match the current connector.
How long do cheap headphones last? I’ve got several sitting in drawers. And good headphones have replaceable cables.
Most freebie earbud phones, including those from Apple, are designed to last only as long as it takes you to walk out the door.
High end companies like B&W and Grado and stuff will offer you a lifetime product with noticeable quality improvement everywhere. But none of the audio companies out there recommend bluetooth over cable. Wires are always superior in signal quality and reliability and battery life and total cost.
Apple’s also got a problem with its current minijacks. If you push in any headphone too far it will activate commands in the phone. It’s an Apple flaw. High end headphone manufacturers in fact add an oRing to prevent users from accidentally pushing in the headphone jack too far. It’s well documented on audiophile sites and stuff. Apple needs to fix this with a properly designed heavy duty minijack, not an overpriced external DA converter to support existing headphones.
“Most freebie earbud phones, including those from Apple, are designed to last only as long as it takes you to walk out the door.”
Yea, but not Apple’s EarPODS, their pretty cool!
Until the iPhone is totally indestructible and scratch-proof, I’m using a case. I drop my phone way too much to leave it naked. From the huge market in cases, I know I’m not alone.
Since I must use an after market case, hiding antennas and shrinking the lens are pointless. And removing the headphone port, by itself, is only removing capabilities. If removing the ports leads to more battery power or additional capabilities, fine. But, again, Apple’s slippery iPhone design already means I have to use a case. Thus I am use to using a fatter iPhone than Apple thinks people want. If Apple uses dropping the headphone port to further slim down the iPhone, I’m going to regard that as a bad trade off.
So for people like me, until Apple makes a more grip-able phone with a stronger and more scratch resistant screen, surface appearance and thinness are not important because they are masked by the case. I honestly can’t tell you what color my phone is. I haven’t seen it without a case since the day I bought it.
As it is, I would like to see a thicker phone with optical zoom, larger optical sensor, better cell and wifi reception, more accurate GPS, and more accurate motion sensors.
Isn’t a little strange that a major factor in iPhone marketing is the iPhone’s sleek and visually exciting looks, yet a largensegment of its users immediately cover the device and never see the exterior again?
This is proof that one of Steve Jobs’ real strengths was keeping Jony Ive in check. Steve wanted beautiful design, but he also wanted useful practicality. Ive’s annual approach seems to be that last year’s design was ugly and must be replaced. I suppose it works for panties or shoes, but he’s taken it a few steps too far in the last couple of years.
Ive’s thin sealed boxes with inadequate ports are becoming a burden, not a joy.
How about much more RAM to facilitate more powerful and feature rich apps?
No one said the design was the same. They simply said the antenna lines won’t exist. I’m taking that to mean that whatever new design there is… Won’t have antenna breaks on the back.
Too bad MDN didn’t read the article on Zdnet titled “iPhone 7: It’s time for innovation and reinvention, not gimmicks”. It was a perceptive article that pointed out real needs instead of gimmicks like the headphone jack. MDN has made a crusade out of a ‘fix’ for a problem that isn’t a problem. Apple is just shuffling around insignificant minutiae instead of adding real value to the phone. I’ll just keep on taking good care of my 5s.
“We’re totally onboard with losing the antiquated 3.5mm headphone jack for Lightning. Do it, Apple!”
Ya, when the world economy is still getting worse and worse, and more and more people (Apple customers) are losing their jobs, and or cutting spending on the unnecessary extras, let’s make them all have to dish out more cash for new headphones and all kinds of adapters to use the Lightning port instead of the 3.5mm jack that everyone is already set up to use. Brilliant idea, and fantastic timing. Keep thinking about no-one but yourself MDN and Apple, as you’ve always done. I will not be one of the mindless drones dishing out more cash to Apple just to lose basic functionality because Apple wants more money from me for a lesser product. Oh, and headphones, one more thing to charge all the time, awesome idea!
True that. Apple needs to seriously get their designers to think about the user. Selling overpriced wireless headphones is not the answer. It’s an option already, and look how many people like bluetooth headphones: not a single audiophile, and few from the middle class, and absolutely zero in cash-strapped growing markets. What a stupid idea to abandon something that ain’t broken.
Give the people what they want: more battery and more intuitive UI.
Hello People! The new iPhone will include lightning connecter headphones. I’m sure sound quality will be higher on Lightning wired headphones. Pure digital crisp sound. The 3.5mm headphone jack goes back to the ’80s I believe. It’s time to move on. Does Tesla worry about people only willing to buy gas guzzlers?
Apple isn’t afraid of pushing the world forward. There will be plenty of old phones left for people not willing to make the leap forward.
1878 for the larger version of the jack
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-35253398
I can’t see the logic of MDM’s take asking of Jony Ive “Does that seem like enough of a “design change” for an “all-new” (non-“S”) iPhone generation?” when the image shown is merely a Photoshop mock-up based on a rumour.
None of us know what the iPhone 7 will really look like and if anybody has spotted what they believe is an early version of an iPhone 7, they would do well to remember that Apple sometimes makes prototypes that are housed in what appears to be older shells so as not to attract attention.
I will wait for post-marketing reviews before I spend a dime on a new iPhone.
This must be a new definition of the world significant.