Apple iPhone 7 Release Date, Specs Update: To Feature 3GB RAM, Waterproofing, Report Says

Apple’s iPhone 6 series was a milestone for the tech giant. This is followed by the recent release of iPhone 6s series. Now, a prominent market research firm has given an insight on what to expect from the next-generation Apple iPhone 7. The same firm also predicts how Apple and Samsung would fare in 2016.

According to Trend Force, the iPhone 7 will not settle for the tried and tested formula of “improved design with modest specifications.” Instead, Apple will reportedly feature 3 GB of RAM and will also waterproof the handset like the Sony Xperia Z series.

Similar to the iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 6s Plus, it is believed that Apple is working on the iPhone 7 Plus variant as well. The improved RAM unit will apparently be part of the "Plus" variant and not the flagship model, according to GSM Arena. However, both iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will come with waterproofed exterior.

Apple has not waterproofed its devices thus far. Perhaps, iPhone 7 could carve a new chapter in Apple’s history by flaunting the much-appreciated feature, which can be seen in many Android devices though Sony is pioneer in bringing this aspect to smartphones.

On the other hand, apart from the standard displays, Apple will apparently be releasing a 4.0-inch model in 2016. Trend Force says the 4.0-inch iPhone 7 release date could be in the “second quarter” of next year -- between April and June. Other iPhone 7 variants are reported to be launched sometime in the “second half” of 2016. However, Apple has not confirmed any iPhone 7 related details thus far.

Moreover, Apple is expected to ship a total of 260 million iPhones in 2016. This is a 12.5 percent gain when compared to the 2015 shipments. However, the same research firm also throws in caution stating that Apple will not be able to trump Samsung’s forecasted shipment of roughly 310 million units, even though the Android OEM is expected to see a reduction in shipment of 4 percent annually. Current-generation Samsung Galaxy S6 series flaunts cutting-edge features already and the company is reported to focus on hardware innovations for the Galaxy S7.