If true, digital camera sales could take a serious hit.
If Apple is true to form, then 2017 will see the release of the iPhone 7s and 7s Plus. Typically, the “s” models are a tweak to the handsets that preceded them, with the exteriors remaining the same while there are improvements internally. However, a third 7s is rumored to be joining the line-up, and it isn’t the iPhone “Ferrari.”
One of the new features introduced for the iPhone 7 Plus was dual rear-facing cameras. Both are 12 megapixels, with one being wide-angle and the other a telephoto camera. It means you can get 2x the optical zoom and 10x the digital zoom as well as an “all-new Portrait mode.” The rumor, courtesy of Japanese website Macotakara and translated by 9to5Mac, suggests the new 5-inch iPhone will include these two cameras, but mounted vertically.
By switching the cameras to a vertical configuration, Apple would be offering an iPhone that you use on its side, much like a digital camera for capturing photos and videos. Could this be Apple’s push to replace lower-end digital cameras completely?
If true, it’s an unusual move. The iPhone 7 uses a 4.7-inch display and the 7 Plus uses a 5.5-inch panel. Introducing a 5-inch model sounds like it may confuse matters for consumers, especially if the 4.7-inch iPhone 7s only includes one camera. Another possibility is that Apple intends to replace the 4.7-inch iPhone 7 with a 5-inch iPhone 7s including the second camera. That would also allow the iPhone 7s Plus to use a larger display to differentiate it more from the 5-inch model.
With the “s” refresh typically not changing much it is also possible Macotakara stumbled on to very early designs for the iPhone 8, which is thought to be encased in glass to allow for wireless charging.
For a couple of generations now, most of the details about new iPhone models have leaked before the launch. However, I think we’re still a little too far away from the next launch to take there rumors too seriously. I’m sure many iPhone fans would be happy if Apple moved to a 5-inch iPhone, though, especially if it meant a bigger battery.