We've reached that point in the year when many if not most of the major Android vendors have shown their hands in the smartphone game. The LG G5, Samsung Galaxy S7 / S7 edge and HTC 10, among others, have all been unveiled to varying levels of acclaim. Naturally, attention has begun to shift to what might be next from Apple's smartphone department, though if the word of KGI Securities analyst and regular Cupertino expert Ming-Chi Kuo is to be heeded, it won't be all that exciting. Adding to Kuo's weekend warning of a slump in iPhone shipments for 2016, a new rumor suggests the forthcoming iPhone 7 will include a flush, digital home button along with a rugged dust- and waterproof housing.
According to Chinese site Storm, the handset will pack a revamped, touch-sensitive home button that won't travel like the home key found on the current models. Instead, haptic feedback motors will provide the mechanics behind the constantly flush, digital home button. Seemingly, the set-up won't be dissimilar to the touch-based home and back buttons found on many Android and Windows handsets past and present, and these murmurings do tie in with a report last month that the traditional home key may be ousted. The report also suggests that the chassis will take a matte black aesthetic, though just how reliable any of this information is remains to be seen.
Nokia's Lumia 1020 features a flush, digital home button
With so many months until the anticipated September unveiling, these are the times when rumors fly in all directions, some making more sense than others. One tidbit that may appeal to prospective owners more than the home button or coloring, is the continued suggestion that the iPhone 7 will be both dust- and waterproof. With many competing handsets offering these seemingly basic modes of protection against the elements, it would certainly be a major plus, and could heighten the appeal of Apple's next big thing despite the doom and gloom from the most knowledgeable Apple analyst around.
Which feature would you most like to see Apple deploy with its next-generation iPhone? Let us know in the comments.
Ben Reid is known for his extensive coverage of mobile technology updates, product launches, and detailed reviews of the latest smartphones, helping tech enthusiasts stay ahead with timely and accurate information.
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