Apple is said to favor design updates over specs for its iPhone 7 lineup later this year. Speculations suggest that one of the major changes may be a new home button for the flagship.
According to MacRumors, rumors say that instead of a physical touch button, the new home button for the iPhone 7 will be made flushed with the body of the iPhone and will work more with 3D Touch-like features than conventional press options.
Reportedly, the new home button will be designed much like the Force Touch trackpad on the new MacBooks. This means that Apple is intending to use haptic feedback, where users just need to place a finger to mimic a press. It is unclear if the new home button will also incorporate a full version of the 3D Touch, where options for apps and device interface will depend on how strong or weak a finger press is.
Although Apple has yet to confirm the specs and features for the iPhone 7, a new home button is likely possible, since early rumors point out drastic changes to the new flagship. Aside from the 3D Touch button, the iPhone 7 is rumored to also come out with improved waterproofing features, and the removal of the 3.5 mm audio jack.
Meanwhile, fans may not have that long to wait to check out the new iPhone 7. According to noted tipster Evan Blass, Apple will open pre-orders for the iPhone 7 starting September 9. While it remains unofficial, an early September period for the iPhone 7 is highly possible, since this is also around the same time that the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus were listed on pre-orders last year. In addition, this may also mean that the iPhone 7 will release for the market at roughly around the same period, so fans are looking at mid- to late September roll-out.
