iPhone 7 release date in fall 2015; A9 chips rumored to be in the works

The release of Apple's iPhone 7 will most likely happen in fall of 2015 following the pattern of previous iPhone launches. This is fueled by reports that Samsung is already working on the next generation A9 chipsets. 

Samsung won the bidding to manufacture the processor that will power the next Apple offering. Although Samsung has not confirmed that it is working on the processor, ETNews reported that the company has already started manufacturing the A9 processors in one of its plants based in Austin, Texas. There are also reports saying that the chipset will be completed by the second quarter of 2015, making the fall release of the forthcoming iPhone 7 a possibility. 

The new A9 chip will use 14 nm FinFET technology that makes it thinner, lighter, and more power-efficient. Because the A9 chip will be thinner, this will impact the overall profile and form factor of the new iPhone. Sources close to Samsung said that the A9 chip will power other Apple devices as well. 

Apart from the A9 chipsets, the sapphire screen display rumored to be used in the next iPhone is also said to be in the works. Apple's loyal partner Foxconn is now reportedly in charge of manufacturing the glass covering. Foxconn invested $2.6 billion for an alleged sapphire plant in Taiwan for the production of iPhone's screen display. 

Latest reports also claim that Apple will hold two iPhone launches starting next year. The tech giant will begin to release two sets of iPhones each year in order to keep up with the tough competition in the market. Hearsays say that Apple will hold iPhone launch events in spring and autumn of 2015 just like some of its competitors. 

Changes will most likely happen in Apple's timeline as the company is reported to bring back a line of mid-range smartphones similar to iPhone 5C in spring, while maintaining the release a full-fledged iPhone in autumn. There is also a possibility that Apple will release the smartphone early next year and introduce the next phablet in fall.

News
Active faith linked to happier marriages and lower divorce rates, study finds
Active faith linked to happier marriages and lower divorce rates, study finds

People who regularly attend church are more likely to report happy marriages, according to a new report examining the relationship between faith and family life.

Indian churches fearing anti-conversion laws tell non-Christians: enter at your own risk
Indian churches fearing anti-conversion laws tell non-Christians: enter at your own risk

Churches in Dhamtari, a town in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, have put up notices warning non-Christians that they enter at their own risk, weeks after a law against religious conversion came into force in the state.

£1k bursaries to help churches develop youth and community mentoring programmes
£1k bursaries to help churches develop youth and community mentoring programmes

Churches across the UK are being offered bursaries to help them establish mentoring programmes aimed at supporting young people and others in their communities.

World Evangelical Alliance celebrates 180th anniversary
World Evangelical Alliance celebrates 180th anniversary

The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) has held an online celebration to mark its 180th anniversary. Hundreds of people from more than 22 countries attended, and the event was rebroadcast to accommodate different time zones.