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Apple was planning three different iPhone 7s up to the last minute

Published Aug 9th, 2016 5:05PM EDT
iPhone 7 iPhone 7 Plus
Image: YouTube

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A new report that offers more details about Apple’s rumored 2017 iPhone redesign also explains why not all reports agree on the number of iPhones Apple wanted to launch this year. Initial iPhone 7 rumors claimed Apple would have three devices in stores this fall, including one 4.7-inch model and two 5.5-inch phablets.

Only a few days ago a high-resolution video leak featured dummy versions for all three devices. However, other reports claim that Apple will unveil only two iPhones this year, just as it has done starting with the iPhone 6.

DON’T MISS: Report: the iPhone 7 will be exactly what you’re expecting

According to Nikkei, Apple only decided on the matter in the second quarter of the year, which could explain the conflicting reports.

“The competition is so fierce that Apple killed off a premium iPhone 7 model in the second quarter, less than six months before its official launch in September, according to a source,” the site writes.

Nikkei goes on record to note that the single-lens camera version of the iPhone 7 Plus has been killed, according to the source. Initially, Apple was rumored to have a Pro version of the iPhone 7 Plus that would pack a dual-lens camera. Since then, reports said that all 5.5-inch models would have a dual rear camera, an idea further reinforced by Nikkei.

“This never happened before. Before this year, Apple never made changes to iPhone’s product line mere months before the launch. It has been a volatile year for Apple,” a source told the publication.

Assuming all this is accurate, then it could be all good news for buyers. By not adding an extra iPhone 7 model in its lineup, Apple might just make the dual-lens iPhone 7 Plus model more affordable.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.