Apple iPhone 7 launch: 7 key takeaways

The new device features a water-resistant design, upgraded camera system and faster processor

Apple Inc. unveiled new iPhone models Wednesday, featuring a water-resistant design, upgraded camera system and faster processor. As Apple derives 2/3rd of its revenues from iPhone sales, its no surprise that the excitement level of people across the world goes beyond the roof.

Business Standard brings you seven key takeaways from the massive launch of iPhone 7 and iPhone 7s: 

RIP 3.5mm headphone port: The ubiquitous 3.5mm headphone jacks could be a thing of the past. The new iPhone models have done away with the headphone ports. Interestingly, Apple isn’t the first company to eliminate the headphone jack. Earlier this year, upcoming Chinese smartphone maker LeEco launched its latest models— Le 2 and LeMax2— sans the headphone 3.5mm port.

Soon other phone makers too could follow what apple calls a “courageous” decision to move towards a wireless future. However, one doesn’t have to worry too much as the existing 3.5mm headphones can still be used with a converter, which both Apple and LeEco provide with their latest phones.

AirPods, a quirky new product by Apple: The new wireless headphones AirPods (Apple calls its wired headphones as EarPods) is one the most quirky product Apple Inc has produced. Apple says it has “reinvented wireless headphones with AirPods”, which will help in you “listen to music, make phone calls, enjoy TV shows and movies, play games and interact with Siri, providing a wireless audio experience not possible before.”

Unlike most Bluetooth headphones, the two AirPods’ two ear buds aren’t connected and need to be plugged into the ear without any support. AirPods come with a unique case which also doubles as a charger. However, these wireless headphones will be more expensive than most best-selling smartphones in India. Apple has priced them at $169, which means they may not be available for less than Rs 12,000 when the launch here during the end of the year.

Two-year old models discontinued: This is probably the first time Apple has discontinued its two-year old models. Apple will now stop selling the iPhone 6 and 6Plus models, which were launched in 2014. Last year, when iPhone launched iPhone 6S it continued to sell iPhone 5S, which then was a two-year old model. Same was the trend for two years prior to that. However, the iPhone 6 may still be available through unofficial channels for a limited time.

Memory jacked up: Apple has finally killed the 16GB storage. The new models will start at 32GB and will be available in 128GB and 256GB (no 64GB) variants. Last year’s iPhone 6S and 6S Plus started at 16GB and were available in 64GB and 128GB. The pricing for the new 32GB models is kept the same as last year’s 16GB model.

Similarly, at the price of 64GB and 128GB you will now get 128GB and 256GB respectively. However, it the 32GB variant may still not be enough and buyers will be compelled to spend $100 extra (about Rs 10,000 in India) to buy the higher 128GB version.

Minor design tweaks: Traditionally, Apple has made major design changes to its phones every two year. However, this year it has broken away from the tradition. The latest iPhone 7 models come with minor design tweaks and look quite identical to the previous iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S siblings.

It is widely believed that next year’s iPhone will have major design changes as it will be the 10th anniversary model. Among the key difference between iPhone 7 and last year’s models include different looking camera (iPhone7’s camera hump is bigger, while iPhone7 Plus has dual cameras). Also, the antenna bands, (which looked like a strip below the camera on last year’s model) have been moved giving the new phones cleaner look.

Changes under the hood: The new iPhones will try to lure buyers with major changes under the hood. The new iPhones will finally be water-resistance. Also, its speakers will have stereo output, which Apple claims is twice that of last year’s model.

It will also have a better processor, which Apple claims is the fastest in any smartphone at the moment. Although the screen resolution is similar to last year’s model, it will be 25 per cent brighter. It will also take better pictures with 2x optical zoom, image stabilizer and quad-LED TrueTone flash. It’s home button two will be more interactive as it will give feedback (haptic touch as seen on Macbooks)

More colours: When Apple was launched it was available in only black. Now buyers will have to choose from five different colours.  iPhone will now be available in two variations of black—glossy and matt. However, Apple will now stop selling the most-popular grey-coloured iphone. Last year’s, three other colours---silver, gold and rose gold will continue to be available.