iPhone 7 September release date, specs rumors: Next generation Apple smartphone to arrive earlier than expected?

New iPhone 7 leaks have emerged online suggesting that the next generation Apple flagship smartphone may get released earlier than expected.

The rumor started when popular tech tipster Evan Blass posted concrete details about the release date of the highly anticipated handset.

"iPhone 2016 release: week of September 12th," noted Blass. "Just to clarify, this refers to the retail release, not the launch event. To be even more specific, it should happen on Friday, Sept. 16th."

Blass has been known to be a credible source in terms of predictions when it comes to tech releases. However, Apple news site reporter Jeff Benjamin notes that the famous leaker appears to have missed most of his Apple predictions in the past.

"Blass has been a very credible source of leaks in the past, but he doesn't own a perfect track record when it comes to iPhone-related subject matter," Benjamin said. "For example, he claimed that Apple was planning on releasing an iPhone 6c at the same time as the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. Instead, we saw the release of the iPhone SE the following March. That said, when a person with Blass' history speaks, it makes sense to listen."

Meanwhile, previous reports said that the Cupertino-based company will release three Apple iPhone 7 this year. However, Blass has also posted on his Twitter account that the upcoming iPhone 7 will arrive in two variations. Despite the contradicting reports, many fans believe that it is only a matter of time before Apple will make the iPhone 7 official.

Although the American tech giant has been mum about providing significant information with regard to the new iPhone 7, fans and critics have already started sharing their own predictions on what the handset can offer once it hits the shelves.

As of the moment, fans must take all these reports with a grain of salt until Apple decides to make an official announcement.