Apple to Produce Single iPhone 7 Plus Model With Dual-Lens Camera and 3GB RAM

[MacRumors]

Apple plans to produce a single iPhone 7 Plus that will ship with a dual-lens camera and 3GB of RAM to compensate for increased image processing demands, according to a new report from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo that walks back from past reports suggesting Apple would produce two iPhone 7 Plus models.

Earlier rumors from Kuo indicated Apple was working on multiple versions of the iPhone 7 Plus -- a model with a single lens camera to match the iPhone 7 and a second "Pro" model with a dual-lens camera -- but Kuo now believes this is no longer Apple's plan as a single-camera iPhone 7 Plus would undermine demand for the dual-camera model. Apple is expected to continue producing two iPhone models, in 4.7 and 5.5-inch sizes.

In a previous report, we said the new 5.5-inch iPhone model (referred to as iPhone 7 Plus), to be launched in 2H16, may come in two versions: one with rear single-camera and the other with rear dual-camera. However, we now believe Apple (US) will only roll out the dual-camera version in 2H16, with 3GB RAM to meet image processing requirements, and we estimate shipments of this model in 2016F of 20-30mn units.

Kuo does not foresee any significant supply bottlenecks that would affect production of the dual-camera iPhone 7 Plus, but because of design constraints, he predicts optical zoom capabilities, which have been previously rumored for the device, will be limited.

Today's report from Kuo follows the leak of design blueprints said to be sourced from Apple supplier Catcher Technology, which suggest that the iPhone 7 Plus will also exclusively feature the Smart Connector that first debuted in the iPad Pro.

Article Link: Apple to Produce Single iPhone 7 Plus Model With Dual-Lens Camera and 3GB RAM

 

[keysofanxiety]

Just what everybody wanted - an iPhone line even further fragmented and confusing for the consumer.

 

[AustinIllini]

There's going to be a run on these for sure.

 

[DocMultimedia]

Sucks.

 

[LordQ]

Flop.

Who are we kidding, they will sell like hotcakes and Apple will not get their wake up call.

 

[BlueMoon63]

There's going to be a run on these for sure.

Just wait for the complaints that it doesn't have 4GB or it sux.

 

[smacrumon]

iPhone is back this fall with wounds marks top and bottom, plus protrusions and warts aplenty!
Not even bothering to get the design clean anymore.
Oh dear me, Apple... What's broken at HQ?
"This is really sad. It really is." --Phil Schiller (Keynote 46 minutes 21 seconds http://ow.ly/inz23006YI5)

 

[avanpelt]

Oh, how I wish the only difference between the 4.7" and 5.5" phones was the screen size.

 

[AustinIllini]

iPhone is back with protrusions and warts aplenty!
Not even bothering to get the design clean anymore.
Oh dear me, Apple... What's broken at HQ?

Looks okay to me. I'm not willing to sacrifice camera quality to have the device sit flat on a table.

 

[smacrumon]

Looks okay to me. I'm not willing to sacrifice camera quality to have the device sit flat on a table.

Was there something completely wrong with the camera previously?

 

[mcarling]

Of course Apple works on multiple prototypes of every product. That doesn't mean that multiple versions will go to market. They are simply trying out different ideas in the product development process.

 

[BvizioN]

It doesn't matter, if it still have these super thick bezels that make it look like a smaller iPad mini. I have compared side by side galaxy s7 edge with iPhone 6s and shockingly they look same size, even though iPhone 6S have smaller display.

 

[gaximus]

Oh, how I wish the only difference between the 4.7" and 5.5" phones was the screen size.

Agreed, the only reason I upgrade every year is for the better camera. I don't want a 5.5" device.

 

[exodiusprime]

Just what everybody wanted - an iPhone line even further fragmented and confusing for the consumer.

Sucks.

I don't see how this sucks; the article says there WON'T be a different version to avoid fragmentation. I hope they do a decent job with implementing the camera (my guess is a "new-and-improved Live photos" similar to what the Fyuse and other "3D" picture apps can do, in addition to 3D videos) and 3GB of RAM is welcome. It'll be rumor season until at least September, so we just need to weed out the nonsense from the facts

 

[bpeeps]

Wait for 2017 or upgrade from the measly 1GB RAM in my 6 Plus? This is my first world dilemma.

 

[Dilster3k]

Not buying an iPhone until OLED or something truly major. - Happy 6 Plus owner

 

[Breaking Good]

Looks okay to me. I'm not willing to sacrifice camera quality to have the device sit flat on a table.

I'm sorry, but I need to ask this because I see it so often and do not understand it. Why do you place such an emphasis on the camera.

I'm not faulting you for it. There are many people who do this. I'm just trying to understand.

I admit that the camera is a very useful device to have on a smartphone. But I don't understand the emphasis on the quality that many people place on it.

It seems to me that smartphone camera quality achieved "good enough" status several years ago.

 

[Dr.Chroma]

3 GB of Ram? Surely Apple won't breach beyond 2GB. How about scrapping 16GB iPhones and come to the realization we need 32 GB as a base model. 16 GB is antiquated.

 

[falainber]

Dual lens being the only noticeable new feature, expect to be entertained to death with iPhone 7 commercials highlighting this aspect of the design (which I suspect will be rather marginal improvement - but welcomed nonetheless)

 

[JPLC]

So whats the "Plus" about? Just the size or also functionality? Then we should we call it Pro right? I'm confused right now!

 

[pizzzle]

Yet the iPad Pro 9.7 ships with 2GB of RAM....

 

[ConnorMcJeebus]

It seems like Apple's strategy is to update one or two hardware features at a time to each new iteration of the same phone.

And of all the things people ask for (i.e. complain about) the camera isn't one of them. I really hope there's something more in store for the 7. Otherwise it's a 6 with relocated antennas, a better camera system and more RAM to support the camera. Not exactly the type of innovation that will reassure shareholders.

 

[VagueChampagne]

Strange how they don't list carpel tunnel as a feature on the plus models. Wonder why that is.

 

[Howyalikdemapls]

I'm sorry, but I need to ask this because I see it so often and do not understand it. Why do you place such an emphasis on the camera.

I'm not faulting you for it. There are many people who do this. I'm just trying to understand.

I admit that the camera is a very useful device to have on a smartphone. But I don't understand the emphasis on the quality that many people place on it.

It seems to me that smartphone camera quality achieved "good enough" status several years ago.

I use my phone as my primary camera. I have a DSLR but it is so impractical to carry with me. The iPhone takes pretty good pictures and definitely good enough to take pictures of your food for Instagram or whatever, but I take photos of my wife and I on vacation. These are our memories captured for life. Some will be framed.

 

[MacDevil7334]

The real question is whether they will call the single 5.5-inch model "Pro" and slap a $100 premium on it (thereby making it a whopping $200 more than the 4.7 inch model). Given their recent behavior with the iPad line, my guess is yes. It makes sense in a way. Since fewer people are buying smartphones these days, the only way to keep revenues up is to get more money out of the people who are still buying. A $200 premium will be hard for a lot of people to swallow though. This could be a real test of whether their "Pro" pricing strategy really works.