iPhone 7 release date rumours, new features and images: iPhone 7 'gets super-toughened screen with built-in Touch ID sensor'

When is the new iPhone 7 coming out? What new features and design changes can we expect in the iPhone 7? And will it even be called the iPhone 7?

The iPhone 7 is already a hot topic, even though the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus have only been out for a few months. You may be surprised by how much speculation there is about the iPhone 7 already: rumours about the iPhone 7's release date, its design, specs and features, and even its name.

In 2015 we're sure to see a next-generation iPhone. But what will the new iPhone 7 (or perhaps iPhone 6s or simply 'New iPhone') be like? What new features can we expect in the iPhone 7? And when will the iPhone 7 come out? We round up the evidence to bring you everything there is to know about the iPhone 7 so far.

Bookmark this page and come back regularly for the latest iPhone 7 information, clues, hints and rumours, as well as any leaked photos of the iPhone 7 that emerge; we'll update the article whenever we hear any worthwhile new information on the subject.

Main sections in this article:

• Introduction: What is the iPhone 7?
• iPhone 7 launch date rumours
• iPhone 7 specification rumours
• iPhone 7 new features rumours
• iPhone 7 design rumours (updated, 13 Feb, with rumours about a super-toughened glass screen with a built-in Touch ID sensor)
• iPhone 7 images and videos: leaked images, concept illustrations etc

If you're looking for information about the current iPhones, by the way, visit our iPhone 6 review and iPhone 6 Plus review, and our comparison article: iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6 Plus. You can also read about the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6c release date and rumours.

Plus, find out what's in store for the rest of this year: Apple rumours and predictions for 2015

iPhone 7 rumours: What is the iPhone 7?

Sorry if that sounds obvious, but it's not as simple a question as it sounds. The iPhone 7 isn't the seventh iPhone (the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus were the ninth and tenth iPhones respectively, so that ship sailed a long time ago) but it's what we are for convenience calling Apple's next large-screen (phablet-form) iPhone launch.

At the moment Apple sells iPhones in three sizes: with 4-inch screens (the iPhone 5cand iPhone 5s); with a 4.7-inch screen (the iPhone 6) and with a 5.5-inch screen (theiPhone 6 Plus). We're currently working on the basis that Apple will make at least one new model in all three sizes, and for now we're choosing to call those theoretical devices iPhone 6c, iPhone 6s and iPhone 7.

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(However, an anonymous source in Apple's supply chain recently claimed that the company isn't currently planning to make another 4-inch iPhone. We're not sure about that - and think it would be a mistake for Apple - but you can read more about the rumour in our iPhone 6c round-up.)

iPhone 7 rumours: What will the next iPhone be called? Will it be iPhone 6s or iPhone 6c instead?

Before we get on to specs and other technical details, one of the first things we want to address is the name of the next iPhone. If Apple sticks to its traditional naming conventions, then it's more likely that the 2015 iPhone will be called the iPhone 6s instead of the iPhone 7. (This could be accompanied by a cheaper iPhone 6c.)

However, it's been rumoured for a few years now that Apple is considering dropping the 'S' naming convention (and the more recent 'C' convention), as it's beginning to be perceived negatively. After all, it does make it seem like it's not a completely new device, but rather a stepping stone to the next iPhone.

We won't know what the next iPhone is called until Apple confirms it, of course.

Another option that's been proposed by keen Aple followers is that the iPhone 7 will be called the iPhone Air, following the example of the MacBook Air and iPad Air lines. But that's a bit wacky for our tastes.

iPhone 7 release date rumours: When is the iPhone 7 coming out?

If Apple sticks to its traditions, we can expect the iPhone 7 to arrive in mid-September 2015. The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus were unveiled on 9 September 2014 (and released to the public on 19 September); the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5swere unveiled on 10 September 2013; the iPhone 5 was unveiled on 12 September. There's a pattern there. 

How to tell which version of iOS you're on: What operating system do I have on my iPhone or iPad?

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There are several reasons why you might need to know what version of iOS, Apple's mobile operating system, your iPhone or iPad is running. If you're downloading a new app and want to check whether it's compatible, for example, or perhaps you need to find out how to do something with a method that differs depending on which version of iOS you're using.

In this article, we show you how to quickly and easily find out what mobile operating system your iPad or iPhone is running.

You might also like: How to speed up a slow iPhone and iPhone tips and tutorials

What is iOS?

First things first, let's address what exactly it is we're talking about. iOS is what Apple calls the software that you're using when you're using your iPhone or iPad, or your iPod touch. It's pre-installed on all of Apple's mobile devices. So, when you're interacting with your device, you're getting the experience that Apple's software team has designed, from the way it looks right through to the way you navigate between apps. You can find out more in our what is iOS article.

Apple updates iOS regularly, with a major update coming approximately once every year, normally in September alongside the launch of a new iPhone model. The latest version, released in September 2014, is iOS 8.

Apple also releases smaller updates to fix bugs and add small tweaks. Currently, iOS 8 is on version 8.1.3. You can find out more about iOS 8 and its various small updates in our iOS 8 release round-up.

You might also like: iOS 8 vs iOS 7

How to tell which version of iOS you're on

Not many people would be able to tell you which version of iOS your iPhone or iPad is running just by looking at it. That's why it's handy that there's a quick and easy way to find out exactly which version of the operating system you're using.

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First go to your iPad or iPhone's Home screen, and tap on the Settings icon. There, you'll need to click General, and then tap About.

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You'll now find lots of information about your device, including how many songs, videos and photos it's storing, how many applications you've got, what the capacity is and the amount of remaining space, and then 'Version,' which is what we're looking for.

Ours is version 8.1.3, which means it's the iOS 8.1.3 version that we mentioned earlier. Your number may be different, but whatever the number, that's what version of iOS you're running.

If you're concerned that it's not the latest version of iOS but you want it to be, you simply need to go back to General, and then tap 'Software Update'. From there you'll be able to download and install any available updates. See: How to update your iPhone or iPad

Additionally, you can find out what version of iOS your device is running on your computer, by opening iTunes, connecting your device using your USB cable, and then selecting the device when it appears in iTunes.

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Click 'Summary' and you'll see the iOS version number in the panel on the right.

If you're excited about the next version of iOS, expected to be unveiled at WWDC 2015 in June, check out our iOS 9 rumour round-up.

Android 5.0 Lollipop tips: 5 tricks everyone should know

If you're lucky enough to have Android 5.0 Lollipop on your device right now, you're amongst the lucky few with Nexus, Motorola or LG devices. But the Android 5.0 Lollipop update is coming for everyone, so why not get up to speed on the best Android 5.0 Lollipop tips to give you a head start on what you need to know to get the most out of Lollipop and avoid some of the biggest Android 5.0 Lollipop fails...

We've got all the Android 5.0 Lollipop tips you'll ever need. © ANDROIDPIT

• Enable silent mode

This is easily one of the biggest frustrations with Android 5.0 Lollipop: the official death of silent mode. We've shared a couple of tricks to enable silent mode on Android 5.0 Lollipop but one of our awesome Mods and all-round geniuses, Mattia from AndroidPIT.it has come up with a cool silent mode widget that'll flip your device to silent and back again – the app is getting the final touches on it right now, but we'll share it with you as soon as it's uploaded to the Play Store. In the meantime, check out the article linked above for all the current options.

The absence of silent mode on Android 5.0 Lollipop is a real pain in the ear. © Motorola

• Everything you need to know about Android 5.0 security

Lock screen security

Android 5.0 Lollipop comes with a variety of lock screen security options. From the classic pattern, PIN or password, to the more funky Lollipop options like Trusted Faces, trusted Devices or Trusted Places. Whatever lock screen method (or trusted bypass option) you choose, this should really be one of the very first thing's you do with any phone, any time. With the new Trusted options, having a complex pattern lock doesn't even have to be a pain as long as you're hanging out near home/work, have your smartwatch or Bluetooth headphones on or have your beautiful mug in view of your phone (which should always be attached to your body).

Smart Lock also gives you a Trusted Face option. And it works! Shame about the mug though. © ANDROIDPIT

• Android 5.0 Lollipop problems and solutions

Chrome tabs

This isn't a huge problem, and maybe you like having your Chrome tabs dispersed throughout your recent apps stack, but for me it's as irritating a default setting as its possible to have. Fortunately, all you need to do to get your Chrome tabs back to their rightful place (you know, in Chrome) is to go to you Chrome settings and disable ''merge tabs and apps.'' Your Chrome tabs will now be accessible via the traditional button on the URL bar in the Chrome browser.

On the left we see various Chrome tabs mixed between other apps. Why couldn't we just have tabs like in the old version? (Right) / © ANDROIDPIT

• Everything you need to know about Android 5.0 Lollipop

Priority interruptions

Priority interruptions are a key component of the Android 5.0 Lollipop feature set. Knowing that there are times and places when you don't want to be interrupted by anything except the most urgent notifications is a great addition to stock Android's functionality. It may take you a little while to set up exactly how you like it, but once you've got your priorities in order you can enjoy peace and quiet unless your mom's dog runs away or your girlfriend is texting you.

Decide what your priorities are and when you want to be interrupted by them. © ANDROIDPIT

• The absolute best Android 5.0 features

Dead Email app

For some odd reason, Google decided to keep the now useless Email app. When you launch it for the first time, you'll get a splash screen that tells you Gmail is now handling Email services and you can check the box fto launch Gmail instead. But why do that and have a hollow app sitting in your app drawer? Go to Settings > Apps > All tab and find Email and disable that useless waste of space. Your emails will still be handled by Gmail but you won't have the dead app icon cluttering up your precious app drawer. 

Great! An app that does nothing. So get rid of Email on Lollipop. © ANDROIDPIT

• Everything you need to know about Android 5.0 battery life

Battery Saver mode

Ok, I lied. I had to add a bonus sixth tip cos it's super important. As soon as you have Android 5.0 Lollipop on your phone, go to Settings > Battery and hit the action overflow button at the top right. Hit ''Battery Saver'' and enable that bad boy. Pick your default battery life point (5% or 15%) and come to terms with the odd orange status and navigation bars you're going to have to learn to live with in order to take advantage of the awesome battery saving potential of Battery Saver.

What other tips have you got for Android 5.0? When do you think you'll get the update?

How to cool down a hot phone with Coolify

Whether you’re pushing your Android device to the limit by playing some of the latest games or just using it for extended periods of time, you’ve probably noticed that it gets a little hot.  Well, if you’re not trying to use your smartphone or tablet as a replacement heater during the winter, you might be interested in giving out Coolify a test and help curb your overheating issues.

Overheating will not longer be a problem with Coolify! / © Google / Coolify

Get the Android L and Material Design look with these cool apps!!!!

We have already taken a look at five cool features of the upcoming Android L release that you can get right now, but we've also come across a couple of others that do a lot of the transformation work for you. So if you want the Android L look on your device, say hello to the Moonshine Icon Pack, and the IdeaL Theme Light.

The Moonshine Icon Pack even has a Material Design-themed installer. / © AndroidPIT/Nexbit Design

Sony Xperia Z4 release date, news, specs and rumors

Everything you need to know about the Sony Xperia Z4

The Sony Xperia Z4 release date has already become a hot topic on the tech scene despite the Xperia Z3 having only been on retailers’ shelves for a couple of weeks.

Given the company's ridiculous habit of launching updated flagship phones every six months, the Z4 release date could be closer than you might expect. Keeping time with these launch expectations, the Xperia Z4 rumours are already flowing.

Having overlooked the move to a QHD display with the Z3, it now appears Sony will echo the likes of the LG G3 and Samsung Galaxy Note 4 in adopting the 2K technology. Looking set to pair this resolution improvement with a size bump, recent leaks have claimed the Z4 will mimic the iPhone 6 Plus by jumping to a 5.5-inch panel.

With a 64-bit processor and Google’s latest Android 5.0 Lollipop OS also tipped for inclusion, the Xperia Z4 is shaping up to be a true powerhouse of the smartphone space.

It needs to be, too. Sony recently announced loses of £1 billion on its smartphone efforts, a figure which has cost former Sony Mobile CEO Kunimasa Suzuki his job.

We will continue to update this page with all the latest Sony Xperia Z4 release date details, news, leaks and rumours as details emerge. Bookmark it now to keep on top of all things Xperia Z4.

How to transfer contacts from BlackBerry to iPhone

In this tutorial we show you how to transfer contacts from a BlackBerry to an iPhone in a few scenarios; from a new BlackBerry 10 device to a new iPhone 6, for instance, or from an older BlackBerry phone that you may have been given by your work. Either way it is a fairly straightforward scenario, although the process is more involved than you might think. This all works for iOS 8 and earlier versions of iOS too.

Many of us use an iPhone or Android as our personal phone, but many are saddled with a BlackBerry by our employers. There's nothing wrong with that, of course, but it would be nice to be able to rely only on your iPhone. For that you need to set up your work email on your iPhone, which may or may not be possible, depending on your employer's BYOD ('bring your own device') strategy. But you definitely can transfer your business contacts from your BlackBerry to your personal iPhone - here we show you how.