Apple’s big secrets are usually revealed shortly before the actual release of the products. Leaks on new iPhones each year are something Apple fans are used to, and this year, the leaked iPhone 7 prototype included a special feature: The Smart Connector.
Mac Otakara, one of the most reliable bloggers on tech and Apple, however, stated that Apple decided not to carry it forward, so, the iPhone 7 may be less amazing than expected. The blog is a Japanese site with connections to the Asian supply chain of manufacturers linked to Apple. The information published on the blog is usually obtained from original sources, so tech reporters use Mac Otakara as a regular source.
The Smart Connector is a technology developed by Apple identifiable by three dots on the back of the device, that enables the lightning port to deliver power and data. This feature was introduced in the iPad Pro range, and so far is the only device with the technology. The use of this Smart Connector is mostly linked with accessories by third parties (like keyboards, sound devices or even cases), in order to make them work once plugged in with the Apple product, instead of using chargers or external wires to transfer power or data.
iPhone with Smart Connector: Yes or no?
Apple fans were excited about this feature on the iPhone since a lot of possible excitement with accessories and smart devices were now on the table. However, Apple’s innovation path works differently every time, and apparently, this time, it won’t include the Smart Connector feature on the iPhone 7.
According to some tech bloggers, the iPhone 7 won’t be very attractive in the end. The removal of the Smart Connector in the prototype and the rumour that the design will remain the same as the iPhone 6 seems to make the iPhone 7 not as innovative as people may usually expect.
To some, this means Apple has lower expectations on their products than in the past.
Apple’s iPhone decline
This leak may affect Apple more than expected. Last month was the first major iPhone sales decline and this issue may keep the sales index on the low rate. In March’s quarter, Apple sold 51.1 million iPhones compared to 61.2 million iPhones sold during the same quarter a year-ago.
However, shares have climbed back up, but the iPhone 7 may not help the enterprise recover enough to regain the 10 million devices sale.
Source: Forbes