iPhone 7 will do away with 3.5mm headphone jack?

We're still a few months away from September, when the iPhone 7 is likely to be announced, but as always, "news" of the latest iPhone is making its rounds on the Internet.

The latest leak comes from Chinese social networking site Weibo, where a photo purporting to be of the rear of the iPhone 7 is circulating.

Similar to earlier leaks and rumours, the antenna lines have been moved to the top and bottom of the phone, compared to the iPhone 6 and 6s.

The rear camera module looks like it is still protruding, similar to the iPhone 6, Hardware Zone reported.

Previous rumours have suggested that the iPhone 7 Plus will come with a dual-camera setup, which if true, will make it substantially different from the iPhone 7.

The most-debated rumour, however, is one that surfaced last year - that Apple will be doing away with the 3.5mm headphone jack in order to make the phone thinner. Recent "leaks" seem to lend credence to that rumour.

It has been suggested that Apple may bundle lightning-connector earphones or wireless earphones with the new iPhone.

That, if true, will probably not endear Apple to people who have invested in expensive wired headphones or earphones.

Most recent rumours also suggest that the iPhone 7 will not be a major upgrade, as Apple is rumoured to be planning major design changes for the phone in 2017.

sinsh@sph.com.sg