iPhone 7 rumours: What we know so farMay 25(AZINS) Although the next iPhone isn't expected to land until September, the upcoming Apple handset has already got the internet awash with rumours and leaks. So what's already known about the device and which of the many rumours could turn out to be true?

Launch date

Unless Apple suddenly and unexpectedly changes its long-standing schedule, the iPhone 7 will be presented, as usual, around mid-September time, before going on sale one to two weeks later. Prices of the different versions should remain more or less stable, perhaps with a slight increase, as per previous years.

Design and finish

It's often rumors about the design of upcoming iPhones that create the most online chatter ... but that's not the case this year. Rumours suggest that the handset's overall look isn't likely to change much until 2017, marking the 10th anniversary of the iPhone. Several leaks show an iPhone 7 with more or less the same dimensions as its predecessor, but with a slightly larger and repositioned rear-facing camera.

New specs

Like for the run up to the iPhone 6s, online rumours are again suggesting a new waterproof handset. In terms of technology, Apple is almost certainly capable of designing a waterproof model, and a host of (unofficial) sources claim that the iPhone 6s is already water-resistant. But unlike Sony and Samsung, who already sell waterproof mobiles, Apple doesn't seem ready to join the party.

Over the last few days, some very persistent rumours have surfaced predicting a new storage capacity for the top-of-the-range model, upped from the current 128GB to 256GB. Some sources also suggest that the iPhone 7 could feature wireless charging, with an induction-based charging system.

Multifunction connector

Another new feature -- this time purportedly heading only to the iPhone 7 Plus (the largest version) -- could be the Smart Connector, as already seen on Apple's iPad Pro. This connection port transfers both power and data to compatible accessories such as keyboards and external batteries. This already existing feature has a good chance of landing on the upcoming iPhone.

No headphones socket

One of the rumours that's causing the biggest stir on social networks suggests that Apple could be removing the headphones jack from the iPhone 7. This would be replaced by Apple's Lightning connector which, until now, has served to recharge the handset or connect it to a computer. A few models of headphones also use this type of connection rather than a standard jack. However, a fresh leak showing what is said to be a photo of the printed circuit board for the new iPhone contradicts the initial rumour.

A sudden jump for supplier shares

It's not just Apple's shares that shoot up on the back of positive rumours. The firm's main suppliers in Asia -- including Foxconn, Pegatron, Catcher Technology and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) -- have seen their shares jump following a story in a Taiwanese newspaper claiming that the Cupertino tech firm had ordered 72 million iPhone 7 handsets, beating the 65 million predicted by analysts.

The outlook

Leaks and rumours have contributed to the global success of the iPhone since its launch in 2007. This will no doubt be the case again in 2016, whether or not they turn out to be true.