So far what we know about the next-gen iPhone is that for the most part, at least on the surface, the phone will resemble its predecessors, the iPhone 6 and 6s. There are some rumored changes and if the rumors are to be believed, this includes removing the antenna break running across the back of the device, removal of the headphone port, and possible dual camera lenses.
However a new report from Macotakara (via 9to5Mac) has revealed that Apple will be making additional changes to the phone, albeit rather small ones. For starters the report claims that the earpiece on the iPhone 7 will be larger and that its ambient light switcher will be relocated. There are also claims that the proximity sensor will be changed to “dual specification” in hopes of making it more accurate.
Now on the surface it doesn’t sound like these changes aren’t particularly huge, but they might be a big deal for those who are planning on reusing their old accessories for their new iPhone. For example the larger earpiece and relocated ambient switch would mean that existing screen protectors might not necessarily be compatible.
In any case if anything, this report serves to corroborate the rumors that Apple will be ditching the 2-year redesign cycle and saving its major iPhone refresh for 2017, which also marks the phone’s 10th anniversary and moving into its rumored 3-year cycle.