Apple fans can expect three iPhone upgrades this 2017 - the iPhone 7 direct sequel that will be called the iPhone 7S with the supersized iPhone 7S Plus and the 10th anniversary edition iPhone 8 that supposedly will also go by the name iPhone X. And thanks to iOS 11 and leaked details, we now have an idea how these devices will look and behave.
New UI
When iOS 11 becomes official, the software will deliver a fresh user interface to the iPhone of all models (and iPad as well), BGR reported. The redesigned Control Center has been reduced to a single page for easier management. Handsets with 3D Touch functions, starting with the iPhone 6S, will have access to more menu options when a CC icon is long-pressed.
Also, the Lock Screen and Notification Center have been simplified by combining them, again in a single page.
App Store
Likewise, Apple implemented notable design tweaks on the App Store that will be easier on the eyes and even easier to use. There will be tabs to classify the applications for better navigation and a search interface for faster pull up of specific apps.
iMessage
The iPhone messaging app can now be extended on the iPad, meaning text messages can be composed, sent, received and read on multiple devices as the iMessage app now synchs automatically on the iCloud. And Apple included a bonus - a prettified app drawer.
Smarter Siri
Starting with iOS 11, Siri will be able to translate and Apple plans to expand on the supported languages progressively. The iPhone personal digital assistant will also soon support more third-party applications, meaning Siri's functionalities will soon enjoy a wider coverage than ever.
Camera enhancements
The native iOS camera app has been improved with video encoding now employing HEVC. For still images, the JPEG file creation has been upgraded that photo files are now reduced by up to 50 percent, freeing up storage space.
AR optimized
The next iPhone and iOS 11 are both ready for augmented reality and the benefits will be immense. For example, apps can make use of computer vision for smart object recognition and virtual objects can be placed on the display with context-aware functionalities.
Apple is envisioning that iOS 11 will become the most dominant AR mobile platform beginning with the release of the OS later in the year.
In addition to the hints offered by iOS 11, recently leaked details provided by a Foxconn insider a glimpse of the purported specs and feature upgrades for the next iPhone and they are found below:
- Dual rear camera with vertical alignment and dual front facing camera modules
- Front bezel will be thinner on the Y-axis
- Facial Detection and a Retina Scanner
- 3GB RAM support across the board
- Composite glass unibody instead of aluminum
- Wireless charging via the rear panel
- Water resistant with increased rating
- No USB-C as Apple to stick with Lightning
The same leaker, per Forbes, also claimed Apple might be forced to delay the shipment of the next iPhone. The introduction will go ahead as planned but the actual release date will come later, which applies for the iPhone 8 as the iPhone 7S series is expected to debut on September 2017.
