With next Apple iPhone, ‘I expect the headphone jack to disappear’
Just like every other year, Apple has absolutely nothing to say about the next iPhone. However, there is plenty we already know if we look back at the last several years. And more if we can read the tea-leaves. So this is what I expect to see coming soon from the new Apple iPhone.
First, I predict the new iPhone will be announced in September, as usual. Next, if there are no snafus, and Apple is actually ready, it will be available for sale by the end of that month. The name is always in question, but since Apple has stuck with the same strategy, I expect it will be called iPhone 7.
So should you buy iPhone now, or wait till September?
At this point I would wait till September. It’s only two months from now. That’s if your current phone can make it till then. The reason is simple. In September you will have a choice. Either the brand new iPhone 7 or a discounted iPhone 6S or a super-discounted iPhone 6. Then again, if you want a larger discount, you can log onto one of the pre-owned sellers like GameStop, Gazelle, Walmart or Target.
It’s disappointing, but I don’t expect any major redesign from Apple this year, even though they usually do so every other year, and this year is that other year. However, even though the phone may look the same, I do expect there to be several new features.
Whether they are important to you is the question. In fact, whether you even like these features will be up to you. I expect some will like them and others will not. But it’s not like I expect Apple to give customers a choice. That’s Apple for ya.
Disappearing iPhone headphone jack
I expect the headphone jack to disappear. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to use a wireless headphone. However, not everyone likes wireless headphones. Many worry about cancer or other problems that have been discussed for years. The users who already use wireless headphones will love this. Those who don’t, may hate it. For them, they may be able to plug into the lightning charging port. Let’s hope.
Water resistant iPhone
Removing a headphone jack may, however, make the iPhone either waterproof or at least water resistant like one of the Samsung Galaxy devices sold only by AT&T Mobility. I’ve been saying these smartphones need to be waterproof and destruction proof if they want us to keep using them for more of our important information. This may be the first year Apple enters the waterproof area. At least water resistance? Users are hoping.
Thinner iPhone
The size of the phone may be thinner without the headphone jack. We’ll have to wait and see. Smaller and thinner has always been a focus for Apple, however I am not sure how much thinner they can get and still have a device that doesn’t slip out of the hand like many users complain about with the current iPhone.
Will battery life finally improve?
Battery life has not improved according to users nationwide for many years. Battery technology is simply not keeping up. That’s why changes in the electronics and programming to better manage battery life are becoming part of the newer devices. The question is will the new iPhone have an improved battery or just better programming to save more power? I think the story will be around programming, not a better battery.
Minimum iPhone memory size
Apple is finally coming to terms with a maturing marketplace. So this next iPhone will start at 32 gigabytes, not 16 gigabytes. That’s finally good news since the 16 gigabyte device may be cheaper, but will drive you absolutely nuts since you can’t store much at all. Most users need more space. Some don’t.
Update camera
A camera update is needed to keep up with the Samsung Galaxy S7 devices. So this year I expect the camera to have a serious update. Word is the smaller iPhone will have one lens, but the larger iPhone will have a double lens. Interesting. We’ll have to wait and see. The camera has improved year after year, so I expect the same this year. I think the larger iPhone will have a better camera this year.
Plus, there are rumored to be several other new features, but we’ll just have to wait and see what actually come to market. Rumors of slowed iPhone sales have put a blanket over the typical iPhone rumor mill, but I believe they will be very popular, as usual. Just not as over the top as usual. So now we simply wait and see.
