The physical home button has been such a big trademark of Apple iPhone over the years.
This is probably one feature that has carried on from the first generation. Apple has tried to make the best possible use by adding features like a fingerprint sensor. The American giant is known for creating new trends by doing away with trends initially created by them. If the latest rumors are anything to go by, then Apple could be following the same philosophy with the physical home button.
There are just five months for the much anticipated launch of the iPhone 7 or the iPhone 8. There have been suggestions that Apple may skip the iPhone 7 in favor of the iPhone 8. In addition to those rumors is the talk about the physical home button going to be replaced by a touch sensitive button. This would bring the iPhone in line with most android phones on the market. Even Microsoft smartphones have been in favor of the touch sensitive capacitive buttons.
At present, the physical button is deemed absolutely necessary since it incorporates the fingerprint sensor. However, Apple are believed to be working on a technology that will see the fingerprint sensor integrated to the phone seamlessly.
The iPhone 7 is also rumored to come with water resistant capabilities for the first-time in an iPhone. Of course, the iPhone 6S did a good job of withstanding several water resistant tests, but it cannot compete with phones like the Samsung Galaxy S7 or the Xperia Z5 in this aspect. It has remained as one of the Achilles heel for the company when it comes to the marketability against a Samsung or Sony.
Several research firms have already been not too enthusiastic about the upcoming iPhone. Rumors about Apple ordering OLED panels from Samsung on a large scale have led to talk that the company was planning to put curved displays in the upcoming iPhones but certainly not on the next one to be launched in five months. This appears to be a major reason behind interest in the iPhone 7S being significantly down. After just recording the worst quarter in iPhone sales, Apple is in desperate need of magic but fans may have to wait until September 2017 for the same.
The likes of wireless charging, lack of 3.5 mm headphone jack, stereo speakers, and a larger battery are some of the rumors about the upcoming iPhone 7.