TONIGHT, APPLE WILL unveil the new iPhone range in San Francisco.
Usually, every second year sees Apple release a changed version of the iPhone while the years in-between see an updated version in the form of the S range. This year might not see such a change, instead going for a modified version of last year’s model instead of a major change.
From the rumours that have been circulating in recent weeks and months, we have a good idea of what to expect
If you want to watch the event, you can do so through Apple’s own site. You can only watch it on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV or through Microsoft Edge if you have Windows 10. The event starts at 6pm Irish time.
So what should you expect?
Like the last two years, two different versions will be announced: the regular 4.7-inch iPhone and the larger 5.5-inch iPhone Plus.
How the phone will look will be similar to the iPhone 6s, with some minor changes like the camera, the removal of the headphone jack and the antennas being moved from the back to the side.
It will likely come with 2GB of RAM, a 2.4GHz A10 chip, and a 12MP camera. The Plus version will likely come with 3GB of RAM to complement the 12MP dual-camera it will include. It will also upgrade the screen from LED to OLED, which will result in a sharper display and better colours.
As for the software, iOS 10 will be included as standard while other iPhone and iPad models will receive it later this month. An overview of its main features and its release date will be covered at the event.
A long overdue increase in storage space
For far too long, Apple has kept the minimum storage level of the iPhone to 16GB. While this was fine years ago, things have moved on with videos, photos and complex games taking up significant space. Making it worse was the next storage space amount was 64GB and 128GB which was overkill for many people
The latest rumours suggest the minimum storage will now be bumped up to 32GB, which has been long overdue. The lack of expandable storage and the minimum storage options for iCloud means it will be a welcome addition for many users.
A larger iPhone brings dual-lens camera
Every new smartphone release brings the usual upgrades that make the camera better. This update is no exception with a particular emphasis being placed on improving low-light photography.
What might appear on the larger Plus version will be a dual-lens camera. Two 12MP cameras will allow for users to zoom in on subjects without compromising on image quality.
The regular iPhone will only come with the one 12MP camera.
Water-resistance will be a thing now
Apple never really mentioned water resistance or waterproofing before – you can assume most modern phones can survive a splash of water at the very least – but considering how many other devices apply water-resistance, the iPhone will be following suit.
The next iPhone is said to come with IPX7, the same standard the Apple Watch uses, meaning if you’re using it in the rain, or in the shower, it will be fine. It doesn’t mean it will survive a prolonged stay in water though so you will still need to avoid dropping it into the bath or sink.
And there could be some disappearing acts
The rumours of the headphone jack being removed from the latest iPhone have been doing the rounds since January – it’s likely the new iPhone will come with wireless earbuds – but the more interesting rumour is it could be ditching the physical home button.
Instead of a home button that can be pressed down, it would borrow a concept from its MacBook, specifically from its Force Touch trackpad. Instead of physically clicking it, it will simulate the feeling of a click with haptic feedback.
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