iPhone 7 Coming in 2016

Apple won't release its next-generation iPhone until the fall of 2016, so there are still months of development ahead. For the current time, Apple's flagship iPhones are the iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6s Plus, released to the public in September of 2015.

Though it will be several months before the new iPhone 7 launches, rumors about the device started trickling out in January of 2016. We've already gleaned many details about the upcoming iPhone, giving us plenty of information on what to expect when it debuts.

Since the 3GS launched in 2009, Apple has used an alternating "S" naming formula to mark years where the iPhone does not receive a major redesign, saving its numbered upgrades for years where design changes are introduced. Releases have been as follows:

2007 - iPhone
2008 - iPhone 3G
2009 - iPhone 3GS
2010 - iPhone 4 (new design)
2011 - iPhone 4s
2012 - iPhone 5 (new design)
2013 - iPhone 5s
2014 - iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus (new design)
2015 - iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus

The next-generation iPhone is expected to be called the iPhone 7, but there have been some rumors suggesting Apple could drop its standard numbered naming convention, instead calling the 2016 iPhone the "iPhone Pro." It is unclear at this point if those rumors are accurate.

Because 2015 marked an "S" iPhone upgrade year that introduced new features such as an improved camera and a better processor, 2016 will bring an even-year upgrade that will include a new iPhone design in addition to new features.

Apple will continue releasing two versions of each iPhone, so we can expect to see an iPhone 7 and an iPhone 7 Plus in 2016. Apple is said to be planning to stick to the 4.7- and 5.5-inch screen sizes it first introduced with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.

Apple is still working on finalizing the iPhone 7's body so we don't know exactly what it will look like, but multiple rumors suggest it will be a modest update that continues to use a design similar to the design of the iPhone 6s. It is said to have the same general shape as the iPhone 6s, but it may have a camera that protrudes less (though rumors currently disagree on this point). Antenna bands across the back of the device have been removed, but are expected to remain at the top, bottom, and sides of the iPhone.

iphone_7_render_mr

Mockup of iPhone 7 case showing possible flush rear camera and no antenna bands across rear.
Some rumors suggest Apple is aiming to make the iPhone 7 thinner, perhaps through the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack and the implementation of a thinner Lightning port, but other rumors suggest the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus will have a body that is the same thickness as the iPhone 6s.

With no headphone jack, wired headphones will connect to the iPhone 7 using its Lightning port and Bluetooth headphones will connect wirelessly. Apple is rumored to be working on Lightning-equipped EarPods to sell alongside the iPhone 7.

Blueprints and an image of a device said to be the iPhone 7 Plus have surfaced depicting a Smart Connector on the back of the shell, suggesting that is another potential feature, but it is not yet clear what it would be used for and other rumors have said it will not be included. If the Smart Connector rumors are accurate, it appears it will be a feature limited to the larger-screened model.

Internal specs for the iPhone 7 aren't yet known, but we can speculate Apple will continue on its path of introducing more powerful, efficient devices with each design iteration. The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are expected to include next-generation A10 processors manufactured by TSMC.

There are rumored to be some distinguishing features between the iPhone 7 and the larger-screened iPhone 7 Plus. The iPhone 7 may ship with 2GB RAM, while the iPhone 7 Plus could include 3GB RAM, and there is said to be a different camera system in the iPhone 7 Plus that uses two cameras instead of one with 2-3x optical zoom and improved performance in low-light conditions. The iPhone 7 will likely continue to use a standard single-lens camera as multiple sources have said the dual lens camera is exclusive to the 5.5-inch iPhone.

Part Leaks

A photo of a full device said to be the 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus was leaked on a Chinese website in March. It features a design similar in shape to the iPhone 6s, but without rear antenna bands. It has a protruding, pill-shaped camera enclosure that includes two cameras inside, as is rumored for the larger-screened device, along with a round flash.

It also depicts a Smart Connector on the back of the iPhone, but rumors disagree on whether this is a feature that will actually be included. It's been seen on the back of this device and in iPhone 7 Plus blueprints, but according to to Japanese site Mac Otakara, Apple has decided not to include a Smart Connector on the iPhone 7.

iphone_7_plus_rear

It is not known if the device in the images is a genuine iPhone 7 Plus prototype, a dummy based on iPhone 7 Plus specifications, or a completely fake device.

A rear casing said to be for the smaller 4.7-inch iPhone 7 was discovered on Weibo in May, matching many of the features rumored for the 4.7-inch device. It includes a larger protruding rear camera and top and bottom antenna bands, but no rear antenna bands and no Smart Connector. Rumors have disagreed on whether the rear camera of the iPhone 7 will protrude, and again, it is not known if the device below is a true iPhone 7, a dummy, or a fake.

iPhone 7 Weibo protruding camera

An image depicting a Lightning cable assembly that could potentially be destined for the iPhone 7 surfaced in early May, which is notable because it features a headphone jack amid rumors the headphone jack is being eliminated in the iPhone 7. The part is similar in design to the Lightning cable assembly for the iPhone 6s, but not identical. While it could be an iPhone 7 part, its origin cannot be confirmed.

Jack-iPhone7-vs-iPhone6s-HighLights

If it is a valid part, it suggests reports Apple will eliminate the headphone jack are incorrect or partially incorrect. Apple could leave the headphone jack in place on both the iPhone 7 or 7 Plus rendering rumors fully wrong, or remove it on just the larger iPhone 7 Plus, leaving it intact on the iPhone 7. The component does not mesh with multiple rumors pointing towards the removal of the headphone jack, so it should be viewed with some skepticism until confirmed as an actual part.

Images depicting what could potentially be the dual-lens camera component for the iPhone 7 Plus surfaced from multiple sources in the early months of 2016. The part has an "821" number on it, which has been associated with Apple in the past, suggesting it could be a legitimate component and representative of the dual-lens camera that will be used in the 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus.

dual_camera_photo

An image of the battery said to be for the iPhone 7 lists a capacity of 7.04 watt-hours. That's slightly larger than the equivalent battery capacity listed for the iPhone 6s (6.61 watt-hours) and almost identical to the iPhone 6 (7.01 watt-hours). Voltage is not visible on the alleged iPhone 7 battery, so the exact charge capacity is not yet available, but should be similar to the iPhone 6 battery.

battery1
We've seen a backlight assembly said to be destined for the iPhone 7, which surfaced in January of 2016. We can't really glean any information about the iPhone 7 from the backlight component, but it is similar in design to the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus backlight assembly with the exception of relocated LCD flex cables and 3D Touch chip.

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SAMSUNG GALAXY C7 AND C5 RUMORS

Samsung’s never one to settle on selling a couple of phones, when it could pile dozens of them up on store shelves. The Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge have reportedly been successful, and rumors are gathering the latest flagships may be joined by revamped mid-range devices, which replace the S with a C in the model names. Here’s what we think we know about Samsung’s C-series smartphones so far.

Metal body phones

The Galaxy C-series phones are potentially going to replace Samsung’s A-series hardware, and as such, may mix metal and glass to give a premium finish. SamMobile China‘s exclusive on the C Series revealed that the phones may have thin profiles and an all-metal design.

In fact, a new leak from French site NoWhereElse highlights this new metal body design, showing that the device seems to take some design cues from HTC’s One series of phones, as well as from the more recent iPhone 6. In the leak we can see a fairly large camera module, as well as a dual-tone flash for that camera. This leak also seemingly confirms the benchmark leaks we’ve already seen, as it has the same “SM-C5000” model number.

samsung galaxy c  news
samsung galaxy c  news

Galaxy C7

If the rumors prove accurate, the Galaxy C7 will be surprisingly powerful for a mid-range device, and come with specifications that wouldn’t look out of place on the very best smartphones from last year. A leaked benchmark test shows the phone with a 2,0GHz Snapdragon 625 octa-core processor, a chip only made official by Qualcomm back in February, which uses the same 14nm build process as the Snapdragon 820.

Related: Samsung’s new Galaxy A9 improves on last year’s model

This makes it more energy efficient, up to 30 percent over previous models like the Snapdragon 617, plus it’s expected to be joined by 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage space. The screen is estimated to measure 5.5-inches and have a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution. The benchmark results also showed a 16-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front camera onboard.

Galaxy C5

A few days before the Galaxy C7 was possibly given its benchmark test, rumors of a Galaxy C5 phone were published by SamMobile, stating it would have a 5.2-inch screen with an unknown display resolution. A benchmark test for this phone was apparently carried out while it was using a Snapdragon 617 chip, again with 4GB of RAM.

Release date

The SamMobile China report also says the Galaxy C-series will be introduced in China during May, and gives the impression they won’t make an international debut, at least not straight away. However, if they are to replace the Galaxy A phones, then we’d expect a wider launch in the near future. We’ll keep you updated with news and rumors on the Galaxy C5, Galaxy C7, and any other C-series phones here.

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Android N update: release date, news and features

Update: Android N Developer Preview 3 is now out, and the launch date could be as soon as this summer. Here's everything we know about the forthcoming Android N update, including all the new information from Google IO 2016.

Android N is Google's next phone and tablet operating system update that's been so thoroughly refined, the company is officially more than halfway through the English alphabet.

You can now download Android N Developer Preview form and test its new features that didn't make the cut in November's Android 6.0 Marshmallow launch alongside the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X.

Check out our guide on how to download Android 7.0 N right now
The shocker is that the company didn't wait to announcing Android N at Google IO 2016. The reason behind this is it gives developers more time to tinker with the update, according to Google.

That's fantastic news for anyone who is brave enough to update their phone, tablet or streaming box with the unfinished build. We did just that to tell the rest of you what's inside.

Cut to the chase

What is it? The next version of Google's mobile OS, Android N
When is it out? "Later this summer" - we reckon September/October*
What will it cost? Free
*when - and if - you get it depends on what phone/tablet you own though

Check out our video walkthrough of the Android N Beta

https://youtu.be/KMdrJBnv3zQ

Will it be Android 7?

There's no guarantee this will be called Android 7 update - Google has sometimes opted to do smaller iterations for the updates. For example, Android 4 had 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, 4.1 Jelly Bean and 4.4 KitKat.

However, Samsung has mistakenly leaked out a hint it'll be called Android 7. Within its source code for its MultiWindow SDK 1.3.1, it reads "This version has been released with Android N(7.0) compatibility."

Sadly, Google didn't announce the big number at IO, so for now we're still in the dark.

Android N beta compatibility

Android N Beta is now available from android.com/beta for newer Nexus devices from the last year and a half, which first and foremost means Google's star players, the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P.
The giant Nexus 6 also gets some beta action, but the weaker Nexus 5 has been left out. The Android N beta also works with Google Pixel C and its recently discontinued tablet brother Nexus 9 as well as the Nexus Player.

In a shocking twist, there's one random outlier in the Android N compatibility matrix: Sony Xperia Z3. The beta isn't currently available for it, but the Developer Preview 2 is - if you fancy it.

Non-Nexus phones aren't typically able to be a part of the beta and have to wait weeks if not months for the update after the finished version makes its debut on new Nexus phones.

Android N VR

We've tested out a bunch of existing Android N features below, but there's also exciting new tools coming to the update, specifically Android VR.

Android N
A buried menu for VR helper services in Android N Developer Preview 2, and an equally buried release note for "Android VR" in Unreal Engine 4.12 beta hints at a big push for a Google Cardboard successor - and Google confirmed its VR intentions during IO.

The Play Store, StreetView, Photos, YouTube and Play Movies will all support VR, allowing you to jump into games, locations and videos - all via Google's Daydream VR platform. Daydream is due to be released in the fall, so it's unlikely to be included in the initial Android N launch.

5 things I already like about Android N Developer Preview
Multi-window support

True multitasking support is finally arriving as expected, and Split Screen is deservedly the highlight of Android N on phones and tablets. You're going to be able to open up two apps at once on your Nexus phone or tablet.

Android N
It's a popular feature Samsung and LG phones have incorporated into their Android skins years ago, so it's nice (and about time) Google is including the same functionality in its own software. It's easy to launch too - just long press on the recent (multi-tasking) button in the nav bar.

Multi-window support could increase enterprise interest in Android tablets and the Pixel C. It's a bet that Apple recently made when it launched a similar split-screen and picture-in-picture feature for iOS 9.

You may not have to wait until the Android N update to take advantage of pure Android multitasking. It's rumored to be making an early debut in Android 6.1 in June.

Meanwhile Android TV gets picture-in-picture mode, allowing you to continue watching your show in a smaller screen while performing another task.

Direct Reply Notifications

You won't have to navigate away from your current window (or, now, windows) just to answer an incoming message. You can just reply within the notification that appears at the top of the screen.

Android N
It worked well enough for the iPhone and iPad when the same idea made its debut with iOS 8 under the name Quick Reply. But Apple's approach to messages worked strictly with its iMessage app.

Google is opening up Direct Reply Notifications beyond Hangouts, and that could mean popular apps like WhatsApp could take advantage of this convenient inline messaging feature.

New quick settings menu

Google is adding a new quick settings menu to the notifications shade you pull down from the top. It's a lot like the one Samsung, LG and every other Android manufacturer seems to use.

Android N
Sure, Google stock Android software has had switches for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplane mode and so forth, but it required pulling the notifications bar down a second time to reveal the quick settings menu.

Now the quick settings toggles are here as soon as you gesture downward once to see notifications. The best news is that all of the buttons small and unobstructive. It leaves room for notifications to flourish.

Android N
Longtime Nexus users will also be happy to hear that the quick settings switches can be sorted to your liking, much like they can on other Android phones. You won't need the System UI Tuner to meddle.

For example, I often use MiFi more than Airplane Mode, so Mobile Hotspot icon get promoted to be one of the five icons along the top of the initial quick settings on my Nexus 6P.

That little airplane icon is still there for my takeoff and landings needs, but it got the bump to the second swipe menu. Sorting is finally up to you, which is really what Android is all about.

Bundled notifications

Google's not done with the way Android N changes notifications. It also announced that notification cards will be grouped together if they're from the same app.

All messages from a specific messaging app, for example, are bundled together in the notification shade. These grouped alerts can then be expanded into individual notifications using a two-finger gesture or tapping the all-new expansion button.

This is basically the opposite of what Apple did in the jump from iOS 8 to iOS 9, switching from grouping them by app to lining them up chronologically. We'll see which method works best this autumn.

There's more control over your notifications in Android N too, as now you can long press on a notification to either silence future notifications, or turn them off completely.

Android N multi-tasking

There are two handy new features in multi-tasking on Android N. First up is a Clear All button at the top of the multi-tasking menu - a feature Google says has been one of the most asked for. This allows you to close all applications running in the background with a single tap.

We've seen manufacturers add a clear all button in their Android interfaces, but the stock version has been crying out for the same function. Finally, we're getting it.

Secondly, Google's added Quick Switch to Android N. This lets you jump back to the previous application with a double tap of the recent (multi-tasking) button in the navigation bar.

Doze Mode 2.0

One of the (literal) sleeper hits of Android Marshmallow has been Doze Mode, Google's crafty way of saving battery life whenever your device is stationary. It's amounts to a deep standby mode.

Android N
Android N is going to step up the company's energy-saving software techniques by expanding Doze Mode so that it thoroughly limits background tasks whenever the screen is turned off.

That's ideal for throwing a phone in your pocket or your tablet in a backpack, and then retrieving it the next day or next week without having to recharge it right away. Your "I can't even" face when you pick up your dead Nexus phone the next morning will be a thing of the past.

Android N performance

Google says Android N will provide its biggest leap forward in graphics with the introduction of Vulkan, giving game developers controls of the GPU.

That in turn will result in even better graphics and smoother, faster performance.

There's also been a number of Android runtime improvements, including optimizations to the JIT complier which has seen task speeds increase between 30%-600% compared to the previous version.

Updates are also more seamless, with security updates automatically downloaded and a simple fresh boot up of your device will see you run the latest offering. It's also got rid of that annoying "Android is updating" pop up when you restart after an update.

Other features

Google has confirmed the new "Launcher Shortcuts" feature that debuted in the second beta for Android N is ready for pressure sensitive display technology.

It will make it easier for Android manufacturers to bring 3D Touch-like technology to Android handsets as it's baked directly into the OS.

Android N will also bring support for Unicode 9, which among other things will see the introduction of 72 new emoji - such fun!

The Android N name

History has taught us that Android N is going to be named after a delicious treat, but Google hasn't told us which one it is yet. In fact, even Google doesn't know which dessert-based name to give its latest mobile platform.

It's so unsure, it's asking you - YES, YOU - to submit your ideas. Head over to android.com/n to submit your idea, and Google will then pick the best one. And band news, it's already ruled out Namey McNameFace. Boo.

Android N
For now, we're testing out the Developer Preview on a first-letter basis. It's very informal. We also don't exactly know if it'll be Android 7.0 or not either. It's currently unclear. Let's not forget Google's dabble with the number four with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, 4.1/2/3 Jelly Bean and 4.4 KitKat.

It has reverted back to type with 5.0 Lollipop and 6.0 Marshmallow, but Google always has the option to chuck in a curve ball once in awhile.

What will Google name Android N?
Android N release date

The official Android N launch date is still several months away, however Google announced at its IO event that it would launch "later this summer". Now what exactly it means by that is up for debate, but hopefully it means we'll see it around September.

Android N
Nexus devices are always first in line to get new Android updates, so your brand new Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge will have to wait. Manufacturers and carriers have to rework their own version of the software and push it out to users - and that can take months.

What phones will get Android N?

Best Android
If you've got a recent flagship phone, you should be in luck. Most phone and tablet makers try and push the software to phones and tablets that are less than two years old, but it may be quite a wait.

Samsung, Sony, LG and HTC are usually quite fast at getting the update to your phone, as is Motorola. Some other manufacturers can take a little while to release it, though.

Each manufacturer can take time to tweak the updates. Take Android Marshmallow for example, some phones still don't have the update, even though it's been out for five month... five very long months, as February was 29 days long since it's not a leap year.

If you want the latest software, it's best to get a Nexus device, as the newest version of Android will always be pushed to that first. Newer Nexus owners are currently able to test out Developer Preview 1.

HTC has confirmed it will be bringing Android N to the HTC 10, One A9 and One M9 - although there's no time scale yet.

Motorola has also confirmed the Moto G4 Plus will get Android 7 software in the future. The strange thing is, Motorola also confirmed the phone will be updated to Android O when it comes around as well. That's software Google hasn't even announced yet and there's no guarantee Android 8 will be named after the letter O.

How we think Google should name Android N

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Computex 2016 highlights: Home robot, razor-thin MacBook clone, and a gorgeous 3D printer

Some slick designs and novel computers headlined Computex 2016 in Taipei, Taiwan this week.

A longstanding computer hardware conference that’s been around since 1981, Computex always manages to showcase cutting-edge stuff. Probably the biggest attention-getter was a “home robot” from Asus.

Personal robot: Though Asus is keeping a lot of the details under wraps, the intended use of Zenbo (which looks like BB-8 from Star Wars) is clear. It’s meant as an assistant that, Asus claims, can hear and respond to naturally spoken commands, adapt to personal preferences using artificial intelligence, “express” emotions with different facial expressions, recognize faces, play music, control smart home devices, and do remote monitoring, among other things.

Zenbo is targeted at both young and old. “A…companion that helps seniors enjoy a connected visual life and safeguard their health and well-being,” said the company’s chairman, Jonney Shih, during a demo. “It’s also a fun and educational playmate for kids,” he added.

Related: What awesome tech will Apple's new MacBook Pro feature?

The multitalented assistant seems like a steal at $599 but we won’t know how well it actually performs for a while, as Zenbo isn't a finished product and won’t be available anytime soon.

Cherng-Chuan Su director of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council and a Computex organizer, told FoxNews.com that Zenbo reflects the growing importance of the ‘Internet of Things’ – an attempt to link a diverse range of devices.

“This year, we have a completely different focus [at Computex],” he said. “We have put more focus on the Internet of Things.”

MacBook doppelganger: Computex wouldn’t be Computex without a slick, new computer. One of the slickest is the ZenBook 3, also from Asus. With the exception of its very shiny aluminum “aerospace-grade aluminum” chassis, the Zenbook 3 is the spitting image of the 12-inch MacBook right down to its impossibly-thin design (a mere 11.9mm/0.46 inches thick), 2-pound weight, and single USB Type C port. It is slightly wider than the MacBook because Asus opts for a 12.5-inch display compared to the MacBook’s 12-incher. Asus says that its ultra-thin keys boast travel of 0.8mm, slightly better than the MacBook’s key travel. (Travel is how far you have to push the key to register a keystroke. Typically, the greater the travel, the better the typing experience.) Asus claims all-day battery life. The ZenBook 3 will start at $999 and a fully-loaded version with a fast Intel processor will retail for $1,999. Availability has not been announced.

Related: Body cues, habits could make passwords obsolete, says Google

First 17-inch 2-in-1: Dell announced the "world's first" 17-inch 2-in-1 tablet, part of its 7000 series Inspiron line. A 360-degree hinge allows four modes: laptop mode, tent mode for presentations, stand mode for streaming movies, and tablet mode. Pricing starts at $900.

2-in-1 from Porsche Design: At Computex, Microsoft showed an upcoming 2-in-1 hybrid laptop from Porsche Design (affiliated with carmaker Porsche AG). The device supports Windows Hello 2.0 (an advanced sign-in feature), Cortana (Microsoft’s voice-activated assistant), and new Microsoft inking technology (based on pen input). The device will come with a 13.3-inch display and will be available this winter.

Award-winning form and function 3D printer: Flux Technology’s Flux Delta 3D printer combines 3D printing, 3D scanning, and laser engraving, among other functions. Flux Studio software also comes with the device. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, during Computex’s opening ceremony, presented a gold award to Flux Technology for design and innovation. The device can be preordered and starts at $669.

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Facebook 'listening' claim denied by professor

Prof Kelli Burns has denied saying she believes Facebook is listening to people's conversations via the microphones on their smartphones.

In a news story that went viral this week it was reported that she had said key words around her phone which then appeared on Facebook.

Prof Burns says there was a practical explanation for what had happened.

Facebook has previously told the BBC it does not allow brands to target advertising based on microphone data.

It did not comment on the latest story.

Prof Burns, a social media expert from the University of South Florida, sat with a reporter from US-based News Channel 8 and mentioned African safaris and the car brand Jeep.

When she checked her Facebook news feed, the first post on her timeline was from a friend who had written about an African safari which someone had commented on three hours earlier.

"Nowhere have I heard anything about Facebook serving you your friends' posts based on what you are saying or Googling," she said.

"This friend has a lot of friends, and gets a lot of engagement, it's no surprise that it would be at the top of my feed."

She also saw an advert for Volkswagen, which is the brand of vehicle she owns herself.

"Although the angle of the story was supportive of the idea that Facebook uses the microphone I never made the claim that I believe that is happening, or that my one experiment with a reporter was in any way proof of that happening," she added.

She said she feels the story has been "blown out of proportion" but that she has since heard from other people who believe it has also happened to them.

"I believe there are a lot of strange circumstances and coincidences out there and people are looking for those," said Prof Burns.

"The fact that this story has gone global says a lot about people's concerns about privacy.

"I am not a scientist or a privacy expert - but I never said in that story that I believe Facebook can hear you."

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