iPhone 7 Plus release date, specs rumors: September release unconfirmed; mute button scrapped?

Reports have come out giving iPhone fans  the opportunity to catch on to what's new about the next iPhone, the iPhone 7 Plus, as well as its features and specifications. Without official word, however, leaks and rumors have surfaced and fueled speculations.

Images of the iPhone 7 Plus have emerged online showing the handset sporting larger dimensions than the iPhone 7's 4.7 inches. The iPhone 7 Plus is slightly bigger at 5.5 inches but with a similar look. A top–back view of the smartphone suggests a dual camera system, which had been rumored to sport 12-megapixel lenses. However, it is not definite that the said system will be ready in time for the launch.

Near the base is a port taken to be for a Smart Connector, although some reports also claim that the feature may not be adapted after all.

Since the quality of the said images is not very good, references to some changes on the Home Button cannot be corroborated using these, even though it does seem from the front-view image that alterations have been made. There are two possibilities to the redesign being displayed: it could be the change in the home button design, as per rumors, but another possibility is that it could just be some aesthetic changes. Speculations have been abundant on the matter, though, saying that a flush capacitive button will be finding its way to the upcoming iPhone 7 Plus.

The side-view image leak shows a most unexpected lack of the mute switch where it is usually found by the volume adjusters. This may have been logical on the iPad, but it is curious for a smartphone. It gives rise to the likelihood that Apple will instead incorporate the mute control toggle in the software.

The 3.5-mm headphone jack is also said to be excluded in favor of a lightning port.

All these button and port changes may be pointing to Apple definitely upping its waterproofing and dustproofing features on the next iteration of the iPhone Plus line. Along with this is a report that wireless charging may also be supported on the smartphone.

Nothing is confirmed regarding the specifications and features coming out online, but it is expected that Apple will be shedding light on the matter sometime before its upcoming official yearly event in September, wherein the unveiling of the iPhone 7 Plus is said to take place.