Apple iPhone 7 may arrive in three versions

An Apple iPhone is pictured next to the logo of Apple in Bordeaux, southwestern France, February 26, 2016. Reuters/Regis Duvignau

Last year, Apple iPhone 6s and 6s Plus apparently didn’t attract customers enough to upgrade, resulting in Apple’s first ever decline in iPhone sales in Q2 2016. This year, Apple may opt for alternative marketing strategies to be able to reach out to a larger customer base.

As result, Apple may bring in three variants of the iPhone 7 in 2016, according to unconfirmed reports.

Citing its sources of an anonymous tipster, Mobipicker published a screenshot showing three models of the iPhone including an iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 7 Plus Premium or iPhone 7 Pro. According to its sources, as usual, Foxconn and Pegatron would manufacture the iPhone 7 lineup for Apple.

The source told Mobipicker that the production of the next generation of iPhones has already started. To facilitate the production process, the device-makers have also increased the number of personnel at the assembly plants to meet the deadline.

Only time will tell what extra features the third “Pro” or “Premium” version would offer over the other two models. Rumours indicate that Apple might release two 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch variants with standard specs and features along with a “premium” 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus or Pro model sporting a dual-lens camera module.

However, there are contradictory views as well. In a report to investors, renowned KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo noted that Apple might equip the entire line-up of 5.5-inch models of the iPhone 7 with a dual-lens camera unit, as reported by 9to5Mac.

The Apple iPhone 7 Plus Premium or Pro variant may also house 3GB of RAM and probably a Smart Connector port which will be missed by the other two models. Earlier this month, a report in Japanese website Mac Otakara indicated that the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will not include the much anticipated Smart Connector port.

Apple is yet to confirm the iPhone 7 release date.

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