The iPhone 7 will lose the traditional headphone jack and will include a number of key changes from the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, Bloomberg reports.
According to anonymous sources who are familiar with the iPhone 7’s development the long-rumoured removal of the 3.5mm audio jack has been confirmed, instead requiring either Bluetooth headphones or headphones that are compatible with the iPhone’s Lightning connector.
The same source also confirms that while similar in appearance to the previous iPhone, this new model will come with some significant changes most notably to the camera and physical home button.
Bloomberg’s source claims that the standout feature will be a dual-camera system that will exclusively be available on the iPhone 7 Plus, allowing the phone to take better photos in low-light conditions.
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YouTube/Unbox Therapy
Seemingly confirming rumours from earlier in the year the smaller iPhone will not be receiving this camera upgrade.
Finally both iPhone models will get a redesigned Home Button which replaces the physical click mechanism for a pressure-sensitive panel that will cause the phone to vibrate when touched.
Using the same technology featured on the touchpads of the new MacBook, the iPhone would register the press and would respond using a new ‘haptic feedback’ vibration.
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Martin Hajek
While many of these features have been reported on before this is by far our strongest lead yet. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman is well known for breaking major Apple stories and it’s unlikely he would feature an anonymous source unless he was pretty certain it was accurate.
If it does turn out to be true this will mean that the next iPhone will almost certainly be treated as more of an ‘s’ model rather than a stand-alone iPhone. This would certainly make sense as it has been reported that Apple will be holding out on any major changes for the iPhone 8 which will be launched next year to coincide with the 10th Anniversary of the iPhone.
The Best Smartphones You Can Buy In 2016
Apple iPhone 7
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Eduardo Munoz / Reuters
This is Apple’s best iPhone ever, and if we’re honest it’s one of their most innovative devices yet. It has an incredible camera, is water-resistant and boasts a stunning bright new display. Of course it can’t escape the rumours surrounding next year’s device but if you’re looking to buy a smartphone right now, and Apple are on your radar, this is the phone for you.
Google Pixel
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The Huffington Post UK
This is Google’s iPhone. It’s that simple. As such there are achievements and compromises. If you’re after an incredibly well-built, powerful Android flagship, Google have given you a truly five-star smartphone. If you’re a photographer, the Pixel’s camera and cloud storage option make this a no brainer. It's not cheap though, with the XL costing over £800.
OnePlus 3T
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The Huffington Post UK
The OnePlus 3T is simply a continuation of the ethos that makes OnePlus phones so good. It’s exceptionally well-built, powerful and offers you everything you could want in an affordable and meaningful package. No smartphone will give you more value for money.
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Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
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Bloomberg via Getty Images
With a new curved back and larger 5.5-inch display the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge is more about evolution than revolution. The S7 edge now sports a water-resistant body, embedded camera and a MicroSD card slot. The S7 edge is also Samsung's most powerful smartphone yet, so powerful in fact that Samsung have actually had to equip a tiny water-cooling system inside the phone. The good news though is that means you'll never have to worry about getting a warm hand.
Apple iPhone SE
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The Huffington Post UK
Incredibly, Apple's familiar-looking iPhone SE manages to boast the same performance as its top-of-the-range iPhone 6s making it the most powerful 4-inch smartphone available. If you're keen to return to the days of one-handed texting then Apple's bite-sized iPhone is the smartphone for you.
LG G5
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ASSOCIATED PRESS
The LG G5 sets itself apart from rivals like the S7, Xperia XA and the iPhone 6s by being something utterly unique. The G5 is the first commercial 'modular' phone, allowing you to swap out the bottom for new accessories. So far there's an audio one made in partnership with Bang & Olufsen and a camera-focused attachment which gives you extra camera controls.
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Huawei P9
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JACK TAYLOR via Getty Images
The Huawei P9 is a smartphone designed for capturing life. Thanks to a partnership with photography legends Leica this dual-lens camera can take pictures that'll put your dedicated camera to shame. Of course it helps that the P9 is also a pretty great Android smartphone as well.
Google Nexus 5X
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The Nexus 5X strikes the ultimate balance between power and affordability. Taking over the responsibility from the frankly excellent Nexus 5, Google's new smartphone boast an ultra-light body but still crams in a fingerprint sensor, the latest version of Android marshmallow and a Full-HD display.