It may seem a bit premature to be talking about the next iPhone, considering that the iPhone 6 has barely been released, but you would be surprised at the amount of rumors that have surfaced about the next iPhone 7. At the moment, there are several speculations regarding the next features, specs, design details and release date of the iPhone 7. One of the biggest question right now is what exactly will the name of the next iPhone be.

Judging by Apple’s release patterns for the 4 and 5 models we could assume that the next iPhone will be the iPhone 6s, not the iPhone 7. However, some specialists suggest that Apple is thinking about dropping the ‘S’ name convention, mostly because it is perceived negatively by the public. In general, S devices were seen as not 100% new. In most situations, they were variations of the older model that set the stage for the future iPhone.

We have decided to create a iPhone 7 rumor roundup of the most exciting new features. Some of them were expected on the iPhone 6, and others have been floating around for years. Who knows, maybe Apple will be unveiling them with the next iPhone 7. Before we begin, we would ask you to take this rumors with a grain of salt, because some concepts might be a little too futuristic to be feasible. All in all, predictions are exciting, and the fact that customers are already interested in the features of the next iPhone demonstrates their interest in these devices.

Here are the 10 Most Exciting iPhone 7 Rumors for 2015:

1. The Next Gen iPhone Could Enjoy the Biggest Camera Jump in History

As you may already know, Apple wasn’t quick to upgrade camera features, especially in terms of MP value, for the last few models. We have strong reasons to believe that the iPhone 6 Plus, or the iPhone 7, will enjoy advanced camera capabilities. Industry experts refer to this change as the “biggest camera jump ever”.

This could very well be more than a rumor, because in the latest episode of “The Talk Show”, a podcast, John Gruber said that Apple is currently working on a strange ‘two-lens system’ which may enable the iPhone to create DSLR quality images. Since the inception of the iPhone 4S, back in 2011, Apple has been working with a five-element lens design for the rear camera.

“The specific thing I heard is that next year’s camera might be the biggest camera jump ever,” iDownloadBlog quoted Gruber as saying. “I don’t even know what sense this makes, but I’ve heard that it’s some kind of weird two-lens system where the back camera uses two lenses and it somehow takes it up into DSLR quality imagery.”

Apple’s CMOS sensors have always been supplied by Sony, but this may change in the future. Although Gruber did not talk about the supplier for Apple’s next iPhone, there is a connection between the two. The announcement follows a declaration made by Sony, which reveals a new smartphone camera sensor. It seems that the Japanese manufacturer will be sporting a 21-megapixel Exmor RS IMX230 sensor that is capable of shooting 4K resolution videos with HDR image technology.

In addition to this, MacRumors, one of the most credible sources for Apple information & rumors, has recently reported that the new image sensor will begin shipping in April 2015. It is probably intended for the next generation of iPhones and iPads.

Another fact that may hint to the veridicity of this rumor was reported in Taiwan’s Economic Daily News. According to their headline, Apple is ‘actively’ working on creating an ecosystem of 3D hardware and software for future generations of devices. 

10+ MP camera & Swappable Lenses for the iPhone 7

All the 4S, 5C, 5S, 6 and 6 Plus models sport an 8MP camera. That isn’t much of an advancement megapixel-wise. Nevertheless, although the devices have not received additional pixels over the years, camera software has been improved. New models of Apple’s flagship have better filters, image clarity and stabilization features. At the moment, paperwork for Apple’s swapable lenses are being drawn. We can only hope that the next camera will not protrude from the body, as it does on the iPhone 6.

2. The iPhone 7 May Feature Sidewall Display

The Galaxy Note Edge may be the first smart-phone to have a unique display (with a shortcut menu on the right), but it may not be the only one for long. The slimmer, lighter & rounder design of the iPhone 6 might not be carried over to the iPhone 7. As a matter of fact, Apple might decide to go with a new design for the iPhone 7, something they call “sidewall display”.

According to recent news, Apple has just published a patent related to displays that extend to the sides of the device. These extra areas of display also have touch sensitive capabilities that unlock quick-access functionalities such as caller ID, settings, music player, messaging etc.

3. There is Talk About a Reversible USB Charger

Back in August 2014, rumors about a new type of USB charger for the iPhone began. They talked about the USB being part of the charger, and the charger being reversible, just like the lightning connector is. In the video below you can check out , what is believed to be the new charger. It shows an adapter that can be plugged in to the adapter both ways.

4. New Unlocking Feature: Facial Recognition 

Many consumers are already waiting for the next iPhone 7 to be released. It seems that the phone’s release date is approaching faster than expected. There are several nifty features already scheduled to be included in the new device, but one of the most interesting ones is facial recognition, instead of finger recognition, for unlocking phones.

We may not know exactly how this will work, but one thing is for certain: Apple is stepping up its game and bringing new and interesting features to its next device. With facial recognition it will be impossible for outsiders to access your phone’s data. In an age where privacy has become a luxury, a feature like this will be extremely appreciated.

5. Glasses-Free 3D Display

One of the most exciting rumors for the iPhone 7 (or whatever it will be called) has to do with the 3D display. It seems that the next-generation technology will include 3D capabilities without users having to use 3D glasses. Granted, this rumor comes from a shady source that has provided with a few inaccurate Apple rumors in the past, but we have reason to believe that it may be possible.

According to the Taiwan’s Economic Daily News, the iPhone 7 might sport a 3D display feature similar to what we have already seen on the Amazon Fire phone. The only problem is that the Amazon Fire didn’t perform as well as expected. Therefore, Apple should make sure that the 3D display they promote is something truly unique. Apple has already released a 3D display technology of sorts for the iOS 7 and iOS 8. It is called the Parallax Effect feature that creates an illusion of 3D screens. Nevertheless, this feature is nothing more than a gyroscope and accelerometer that generate an illusion of a 3D space.

Although consumers weren’t very excited about the Fire’s 3D capabilities, Apple is known to take mediocre technologies and transforming them into unique must-haves.

6. Holographic Projections for the Screen

This is one of the most exciting features discussed about for the new iPhone 7. As you can see from the concept art published by @crave, many people believe that the iPhone is capable of generating holographic projections. This would create a lot of screen space for avid users. Many users hoped to see this future on the last iPhone 6, but they were dissapointed. This doesn’t mean that the next iPhone can’t incorporate something like this.

Nevertheless, this is a hyper-realistic feature that may not become reality for the next generation iPhone. Maybe it will be possible in two or three years. We still find it extremely exciting.

7. Solar Cells for the iPhone 7

Proper use of renewable energy sources & protecting the environment is important nowadays, so you shouldn’t be surprised if Apple tries to do its part for the environment. There is an extremely interesting rumor about batteries with solar power. Because the iPhone 6 has sapphire glass, it may be possible for future models with the same type of glass to use it as a solar collector (granted that minor adjustments are made).

The idea is simple: solar cells attached to the body or display could recharge the phone during the day. All you have to do is place your smart-phone under sunlight. Mobile solar-charging kits are already a reality, so it wouldn’t be that far-fetched to expect something similar from Apple.

8. The Next iPhone Might be Waterproof

There is already a plethora of waterproof smart-phones available on the market, so we wouldn’t be surprised if the next generation iPhone also sports waterproof capabilities. Many smart-phones, like the Sony Xperia, have received IP67 standards certification, which means that they can be submerged at depths over one meter for more than 30 minutes.

This does not mean that they can survive in extreme situation, but it opens up new opportunities for underwater photography and videos. The iPhone 6 is far from being waterproof. As a matter of fact, it performs miserably in this department. There are several technologies available that may help you protect the phone from water (example: hydrophobic materials), but they do not make the phone waterproof. We are confident that Apple will incorporate some level of waterproof technology in in its next-generation smart-phones.

9. An Intentionally Bendable iPhone?

You have probably heard about the iPhone 6, huge, ‘Bendgate’ scandal. If you haven’t, you can check it out in the video below. There was actually one MacRumors forum user who said that his iPhone bent after only 18 hours in his pocket. Apple has had serious problems due to this scandal.

Sadly, even if the iPhone 6 and 6s have performed remarkably well after drop text and torture test videos, they still have a bending problem. As a response to the reported ‘bending’ problems, Apple said that only 9 users experienced serious problems. They offered to replace the affected units which are under warranty, upon visual inspection.

But how does this affect the next iPhone 7? Apple might have a golden opportunity from this. It is clear that the iPhone 6 wasn’t meant to bend, but what if they make a phone that bends on purpose, to take the form of pants or bags, but which have the property of regaining initial form during usage? That would be something truly innovative.

10. iPhone 7 Rumored Release Date

If Apple remains true to its tradition, the iPhone 7 will be released around the time of September 2015. Even if the phone is available faster, it will probably held back until this period, before Christmas, to encourage more sales. This represents a sound marketing strategy for the company: it creates just enough rumors before release, and more than enough hype upon release to entice sales.

This concludes our rumor round-up for iPhone 7 smart-phones. If we find out more we will make sure to notify you.