IPhone 7 Release Date And Waterproof Feature
With the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Watch on the horizon, Apple fans are already wondering when the iPhone 7 will hit the stores. The release of the Galaxy S6 has ensured that Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) has garnered a great deal of attention in recent weeks, but there is no doubt that the iPhone 7 will be the most prominent mobile release of the year.
Apple smashes 2014
Apple can seemingly do no wrong at the moment. The 21st century has been pretty spectacular for the computing and consumer electronics giant, but the last fifteen months in particular have been almost unbelievably successful for the Cupertino-based company.
The latest morsel of excellent news for Apple was the survey released this week by Gartner Inc (NYSE:IT) which suggests that Apple is now outselling Samsung. Although it has been significantly more profitable than its major rival for sometime, the news that it is now also actually selling more mobile devices than that Korean Corporation will be extremely warmly received at Apple headquarters.
This excellent news can be combined with the fact that Apple has recently delivered the highest single-quarter profit in business history, and also that the market value of Apple has ensured that the company has smashed the $700 billion market capitalization value; another first. Under the circumstances, it is hardly surprising that the Apple share price has increased by over 50 percent over the last twelve months.
So Apple is holding some strong cards with regard to the release of the iPhone 7, and Apple certainly has the opportunity to release it whenever he sees fit. One way in which the corporation has separated itself from its rivals is in its reluctance to cram too much spec or technology into products, and to ensure that all aspects of the product are as close to perfect as possible before it is released.
This has meant that some critics of the iPhone series have been underwhelmed by recent Apple releases, stating that the iPhone range has become too conservative. One example of this would be the Sapphire Glass finish which was expected to be included in the iPhone 6, which never ultimately featured as part of the device. The iPhone 6 is unquestionably a very solid all-round performer, but it is certainly not the technological revelation which previous iterations of the series have provided.
Thus, although Apple is in an extremely formidable position, there are already rumors which suggest that the corporation will attempt to produce an iPhone 7 which really puts the ‘wow factor’ back into the iPhone range. It is worth remembering that Apple supremo and CEO, the sadly late Steve Jobs, saw himself as an innovator, and expected the company that he built to reflect this ethos.
Therefore this more ambitious Apple iPhone 7 could impact upon the release date of the device. With Samsung due to release the Galaxy Note 5 around the same time that the Apple iPhone 7 hits the stores, this will also be factored into the equation when Apple decides the release date of its flagship handset. The Galaxy Note five will be particularly relevant, as Apple has experienced significant success with the iPhone 7 Plus, and after a relatively cautious launch of its first phablet in 2014, may be looking to ramp up the unit sales of this device during 2015 and 2016.
But the evidence suggests that Apple has no reason to be rushed into releasing the iPhone 7, and it could be another Q4 release date for the flagship mobile.
iPhone 6s mooted
Complicating the issue further still is the suggestion that Apple will release an iPhone companion device to the Apple Watch in due course. Apple has already stated that the Apple Watch will hit the market in April, so it is obviously likely that such an ‘iPhone 6S’ would also see an April release date.
With no concrete information on such a device currently in the public domain, for most corporations such a prospect would be extremely unlikely. But it is worth remembering that Apple does everything you possibly can to keep information under wraps, and thus it may actually be working quietly on the iPhone success behind the scenes. It would certainly be logical for Apple to release a more affordable version of the iPhone, considering that Jobs always expressed a preference for smaller-screen smartphones, and additionally due to the fact that some of the Apple Watch functionality requires an attendant iPhone.
Aside from the release date of the device, the rumor mill is already grinding rapidly with regard to the release of the iPhone 7. Any number of possible new features are already being linked with the handset, and these range from 3-D capabilities, through the inclusion of a new dual-lens, professional-standard camera, to improved gaming functionality via a joystick which springs out of the Home button.
But one aspect of the iPhone 7 which has been strongly rumored in recent weeks is the idea that the device will feature waterproof casing. Eagle-eyd Apple watchers have spotted a new patent application submitted by Apple this week for such technology, and this has already led to speculation that this could be included in the iPhone 7’s portfolio of features.
By using chemical vapor deposition (PACVD) technology, the method which Apple has developed will enable the company to develop water-sensitive components which will prevent water damage. According to information included in the application, a waterproof coating is actually applied to circuit boards within the Apple mobile device in question, as well as its electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield.
iPhone 7: Apple Watch tie-in
Again, this would seem to be an entirely logical move for corporation, as the Apple Watch is being marketed on its health-related qualities. Obviously, swimming is one of the most popular fitness-related activities in the world, and therefore to produce an iPhone which is waterproof could offer extremely useful functionality which would go hand-in-hand with the Apple Watch.
There will be many further twists and turns between now and the release of the iPhone 7, as Apple attempts to produce a device which really catches the imagination of consumers.
Disclosure: None.
As we approach the release of Iphone 7, it will be extremely interesting to see how $AAPL does in terms of sales because the S7 edge has taken a lot of people by storm from what i'm hearing. Great post!
i think apple also add featres like wireless charging
I think waterproof is overrated and not worth hyping. Why would users need to swim with their phone?
Agree it is not a necessity, but anyone who has ever accidentally dropped their phone in the pool of water would like this feature. There are other times when I put it in a ziplock to protect it (e.g. when paddling a kayak or riding a bike when it might rain) when that would not be necessary. A ziplock is no big deal, but it is an annoyance if you need to get at your phone for some reason.
Agreed, ridiculous. Anyone wanting to take pictures underwater is going to want to use a dedicated, designed camera. Not a petty smartphone, multi-task camera. Water-proofing would only be nice for being able to easily use the touchscreen in rain or during a shower (both of which I've found nice to be able to browse my phone during).
I'm sure you could also simply spray some waterproof whatever you call it(hydrophobic?) coating on your screen to prevent water from messing up the sensors of the touchscreen. I currently use my HTC One M8 in the shower almost daily, for about half an hour at a time. It gets covered in mist and the touch screen can be a pain to use, but it's still lasted me at least a year. I need a GOOD reason why I should be paying a premium/buying the phone period, for a water 'proof' phone when the one I have now operates just fine in water. If the screen repelled all water and the touch sensors still acted accurately to the touch, I would be very satisfied; otherwise, why? Redundant.
As for 'accidentally' dropping my phone in the toilet, sink, the pool, or getting it soaked at the beach. Well, sometimes you just can't 'idiot' proof a phone. There're plenty of water resistant phones on the market for active users, but they are of their own category. I don't honestly think we all need our powerhouse, high-end flagship phone to use when we bathe, swim, wash dishes, etc. There are 'active' phones on the market which are resistant as is.
I've never had a phone damaged by water (albeit a gameboy from the bathtub), but I've wrecked the same phone THREE(3) times from the screen cracking when I dropped it. Dropping a phone in a puddle??? Please. I'm tired of phone cases; I buy the phone because it looks nice AS-IS. It feels high-class, made of good materials, thin, superior glass, etc. WHY would I want to put a cheap piece of plastic or glass over the screen, and cover it in rubber or plastic to protect and hide it? It's like wearing LV and Gucci clothing and protecting them in a poncho. Seriously....
But yeah, unless I'm cheap and want to protect my phone in a half-inch thick armored case and screen cover to maintain resale value, why the hell would I care about water-proofing the phone? It has much bigger issues to address than being susceptible to submergence in liquid.
The phone I broke the glass of that 3 times was a nexus 4 -- very fragile. It hasn't happened again, but I'd be happy with material stronger than aluminum for drops. I see so many scratches and dents in phones that an exterior that provided dent-proof material would much surpass my interests than a water-proof coated/insulated phone would. I'm sure there are more dense elements or compounds than aluminum that are more resistant to damage as long as we are paying premiums for better quality here... Drop your 'airplane' grade aluminum and 'gorilla X class' glass screen phone on the ground once from arms height and its bound to leave an obvious mark, if not shattering the screen.
We have all these marketable terms for superiority in sales, and yet they hold no grounds. "gorilla" class. "airplane" grade. Please... They catch us on technicalities, anything to make a buck. I'd love an honest marketer for once.
Depending on how intensive the waterproof feature is, it could be a very valuable feature. Add-on's to your phone to take pictures during underwater activities, such as snorkeling, cost hundreds of dollars.
There's also been a bunch of times where I've accidentally dropped my phone or other electronic items in water. Having this feature would prevent me from having to pay hundreds of dollars for a replacement just because I made a silly mistake.
Actually, I could see this being a very in demand feature. Not just for the beach, but kids' bath time, doing dishes, etc. Any one who multitasks like I do have probably lost more than one phone to water damage.
With smart phones as expensive as they are, it's worth paying a premium to get one that's waterproof. I'd say this feature gives Apple a distinct competitive advantage over the competition.