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Purported iPhone 7 images show new tapered antenna design, possible laser auto-focus feature

Leaks regarding the iPhone 7 have been plentiful so far this year. We’ve seen a handful of schematic drawings, component pictures, and a few purported photos of the device itself. Now, another set of images has appeared on Chinese social media site Weibo claiming to show the upcoming 4.7-inch iPhone 7 variant. As has been reported in the past, the design is largely similar to that of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s, but with a few tweaks. (via LettemSvetemApplem).

As you can see in the images above, the antenna lines have been redesigned to run along the top of the device as opposed to across the back. What’s different here compared to other leaks, however, is how the antenna line design tapers off at either end. This attention to detail implies that this is perhaps not a simple Photoshop job like we’ve seen in the past.

You’ll also notice that there is in fact a camera bump, which is something that past reports have said will be removed, although a set of schematics last week showed the camera bump still in tact. In addition to the camera module as a whole appearing to be larger in this image, there’s also an additional hole between it and the LED flash.

While the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s have both featured one hole that acts as a microphone, the second hole is a new addition. One Weibo poster claims that the second hole means that the iPhone 7 will support laser auto-focus. This capability means the device will have improved low-light performance as well as faster auto focus overall as the camera will better know the distance to the subject. LG first added this feature to its flagship in 2014.

The images shared to Weibo unfortunately don’t show the front or bottom of the device, so it’s unclear if the headphone jack is present. It’s widely believed that Apple will ditch the 3.5mm headphone jack, although one leak earlier this month showed an alleged iPhone 7 with a headphone port.

The larger iPhone 7 Plus is expected to have a dual-camera setup and perhaps even Smart Connector support, but today’s leak showed only the 4.7-inch model. Ultimately, the images should be taken with a grain of salt but the continued corroboration between various reports continues to imply that the iPhone 7 will not be a major design overhaul like many had hoped. Instead, it looks like that will be saved for whatever Apple has in store for 2017

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Avatar for Chance Miller Chance Miller

Chance is an editor for the entire 9to5 network and covers the latest Apple news for 9to5Mac.

Tips, questions, typos to chance@9to5mac.com