iPhone 7 Release Date Rumors: Force Touch Coming, Shipments For Next iPhone Allegedly Ramped Up For July

The iPhone 7 release date remains unknown to iOS users everywhere, but the 6s is looming. The most prominent rumors regarding Apple’s next iPhone say the device will include spec and feature changes with no physical design refresh. But in addition to standard “S” level refinements, Apple’s 2015 iPhone launch will include Force Touch. 

The latest iPhone rumors claim that the upcoming device will without a doubt contain Force Touch and have already gone into production. According to Taiwanese site DigiTimes, manufacturing of the iPhone 7 predecessor has gone way up for the month of July. With an announcement of the iPhone 6s likely coming this September, Apple is making sure their bases are covered -- if the rumors are true. 

iPhone shipments in 2015 will reach 230 million, says DigitTimes. The company handling production of Apple's Force Touch tech is said to head into mass production come July. With Apple selling 10 million of the iPhone 6 in its first weekend and 39 million in 2014’s fourth quarter, the company can likely expect big sales for the follow up. The iPhone 6 played a large role in earning Apple $8.5 billion in 2014’s final months. 

The iPhone 6s home button's TouchID ring has leaked off the production line (Photo: NowhereElse.fr)

But, as with most things Apple products, most of us have no way of knowing what is in store for later this year. We can only look to the past to see what Apple’s future holds. If an iPhone 6s is on the way, we can expect camera improvements, speed enhancements and other fine tuning in addition to Force Touch. “S” upgrades seldom bring visual changes, but Apple routinely includes new features to sweeten the smartphone pot. The 3GS back in 2009 brought video recording and a faster processor to the iPhone. With the iPhone 4s, Siri made its first appearance on an iOS device.

The 5s introduced TouchID: allowing for faster entry into one’s iPhone. The 6s marquee feature could possibly be Force Touch, though perhaps its one of the secondary bullet points on Apple’s list of features. We’ll have more details come fall 2015.