iPhone 7 Plus Cases Lead to Confusion Over Smart Connector

[Maura]

MacRumors reports that the posting of pictures and details of third-party cases for the forthcoming iPhone 7 Plus have caused confusion about whether or not the phone has a Smart Connector.

One case, made by Sunnyc, and costing $9.99, shows off both the dual-lens camera and a cutout for a Smart Connector on the bottom rear of the case. However, another series of cases that were recently posted on Alibaba also show the same lengthened camera opening and dual lenses, but do not have the Smart Connector cutout shown on the Sunnyc case.

Sunnyc has also posted images of cases that have been designed for the 4.7-inch iPhone 7, costing $8.99 and $11.99, neither of which have a Smart Connector cutout. So, this could mean that the larger iPhone 7 Plus will have a Smart Connector and the smaller iPhone 7 won’t, or it could mean that both will have one, or, in fact, neither!

Source: Third-Party iPhone 7 Plus Cases Continue Debate Over Smart Connector Inclusion

 

[scifan57]

The case companies are just hedging their bets. They'll design the tool and die work with the elongated camera opening and Smart Connector opening. If the actual iPhones are missing either or both of these features, pre-made blanking die inserts can be substituted for the ones allowing for the twin lens Camera and Smart Connector. This way they could put one of four different versions of the case into production at a moments notice.