Most reports are based on old rumors and speculation

Dec 29, 2014 08:34 GMT  ·  By

The last week of 2014 kicks off with some well-positioned “iPhone 7” headlines, all of which indicate that Apple is renouncing its biannual redesign cycle in favor of an annual tradition that will see two new iPhones released each year.

The problem with these reports is that none of them is citing any new information. Google is doing its bit to highlight them in a slow news period, while technology fans will take what they can get. But the reality is nothing new has happened.

A naturally occurring rumor

At the start of December, a report by StableyTimes said something about Apple releasing the iPhone 6S in spring, to boost Apple Watch sales. On December 12, Korean media reported that Samsung was beginning to make the A9 chips for the iPhone 6S. On December 18, new reports emerged that Apple was poised to double the RAM in its iPhones and iPads in 2015. Others followed suit citing these three pieces and other stories inspired by the same reporting. At this point, “iPhone 7” became a naturally-occurring rumor – with the 6S so close to launch, what will Apple use to fill its autumn showcases (if not the iPhone 7)?

These stories are now back into the spotlight thanks to tech sites / blogs citing all this info as new. In reality, nothing new has happened. We know absolutely nothing about the iPhone 7 at this moment, and no one except Apple itself knows when it’s coming. Everything said about the iPhone 7 so far is just rumors and feeble speculation, something that always happens as the year draws to a close.

For what it’s worth, here’s the key paragraph (from StableyTimes) that got everyone so excited.

“The iPhone 7 release date is coming sooner than expected, and the iPhone 6S is coming even sooner – according to a source we have in the supply chain who now tells us that Apple is looking at a condensed six month release timetable going forward in order to not only keep up with the more frequent releases from Samsung but also to provide a boost to iPhone sales when the iWatch launches in the spring. But is Apple truly prepared to step things up that swiftly?”

The publication is a decent one and the report seems plausible. However, anyone can invoke a supply chain source, miss a prediction, and get away with it. Not suggesting that this is the case here, but we need to be on the lookout for more solid information about Apple’s upcoming iPhone 7.

iPhone 6S in spring

The reasoning behind Apple’s rumored plans to deploy the 6S in spring is to counter Samsung and draw in potential adopters of the Apple Watch. We don’t see the latter scenario very plausible.

While any iPhone upgrade is indeed newsworthy, it also has the potential to muffle other product launches. Who’s to say the iPhone 6S won’t empty the pockets of those who were initially planning to buy the watch?

However, it does seem plausible that the 6S will indeed show its face sooner this time around. Apple has been slammed numerous times for its predictable incremental upgrades and the biannual redesign of the iPhone 6. Perhaps it’s high time they brought out the big guns.

Early 2015 Apple event?

If the supply chain chatter is true, then we should expect Apple to announce a special event for the spring period. While the Apple Watch has already received some stage time, the iPhone 6S simply cannot be deployed by means of a simple press release and some promotional imagery. Tim Cook & Co. need an event to showcase the new smartphone, even if it looks identical to the current-selling models.

As for the iPhone 7, yes it should emerge in the fall period. If everything goes as noted by the supply chain people. Though you shouldn’t hold your breath for any of this to materialize without a solid leak on the table. Our advice? Always consider the latest developments, not recycled rumors.