Next iPhone's Upgrades Leaked in Comparison Video; Carrier Availability Tipped for September 23

Apple is gearing up for the launch of the next iPhone next month, but video and photo leaks of the smartphone continue to regularly. The latest leaks consist of a comparison video showing all things new with the upcoming iPhone devices, and also a separate report that tips US carrier availability from September 23.

Beginning with the video from Dom Espito, it shows the alleged next iPhone devices alongside last year's iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. The video refutes previous claims of three variants and asserts that the larger 'Plus' variant will see all the hardware upgrades that are anticipated - such as the dual camera setup.

As seen previously, the next iPhone sees minimal design changes with the antenna bands shifted to the edges. The camera lens seems to be a bit larger and is surrounded by a smooth protective ring, unlike the previous models that had a hard-edged circular lens jutting out of the device. The big iteration is the absence of the 3.5mm audio jack. Two speaker grilles now sit alongside the Lightning port, also confirming rumours of the Lightning EarPods. The audience reaction to the absence of the most popular audio standard in the market currently remains to be seen. We hope that Apple bundles an adapter to compensate for the lack of the audio jack.

Coming to the larger variant, the video confirms the dual camera setup at the back. There is not much information on the technical specifics of the two cameras, however the official event is not too far away now. This particular video shows no Smart Connector at the back again starting the debate on whether this connection pins will make it to the final variant or not. The Pro variant is not mentioned in this video at all hinting that Apple will stick to two variants this time as well.

Because of so few design changes, there is a rumour that Apple will calle the next iPhone the iPhone 6SE. However, a leaked Chinese telecom operator ad claims that the upcoming Apple smartphone will be called the iPhone 7, with the larger variant following the naming scheme of iPhone 7 Plus.

In any case, Apple is widely expected to host its event on September 7 where all the official details will be unveiled. Now, there is a separate leak that points at AT&T carrier availability on September 23. While the iPhone is not specifically mentioned, a major merchandising reset is set for September 23, and speculations are that this could be the launch date for carriers. The pre-order date tipped falls in line with previous leaks, and starts on September 9.

Evan Blass had tipped recently that the next iPhone will be available on September 16, but if this latest leaks is true carriers will only sell it from September 23. Both these dates are possible, as Apple has made its iPhone available two weeks after the launch date as well in the past. In 2014, the iPhone 6 was made available a week after the pre-orders began, and in 2015 the iPhone 6s was launched 13 days after the pre-orders began. However, it is recommended that you take all of this with a pinch of salt until official invites are rolled out, and launch details are unveiled.