iPhone 7 release date, specs, price, rumors & news: Apple adds panic button; iPhone 7 mini in the works?

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Apple's iPhone 7 has been added with a panic button for added security, according to rumors.

The Telegraph reports that the panic button which can be activated by a fingerprint using Apple's Touch ID sensor could be used to improve a security of the handset or to deter anyone for using it. The outlet adds that while the panic mode is activated, it can still be unlocked; however, the user's information will be kept inaccessible.

If the iPhone 7 were to come with this feature, unlocking the phone while on panic mode may prompt the phone to activate the microphone or front camera to find out who is trying to break into the phone. The audio or video of the thief or hacker could then be sent to the police or alert various responsible personnel.

The outlet explained that the patent for the phone was made in order to protect smartphones as they increasingly become a holder of their user's various personal information. However, it has not been confirmed that the patent will be featured in the upcoming iPhone 7.

With regards to various models of the new handset, it is rumored that Apple will also be releasing an iPhone 7 mini alongside the iPhone 7 Plus and more. According to the report by Gadgets360, the iPhone 7 mini which is allegedly 4-inches will be a cheaper alternative to the standard phones. However, it will not have 3D Touch.

"The handset is expected to enter mass production in the first half of 2016, and launch alongside next year's iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus lineup," the site says. "As for the specifications, the handset will have full metal casing -- unlike the iPhone 5c - and will be powered by A9 SoC -- the same chipset that this year's iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus ship with."

According to MacWorld's prediction roundup, the new smartphone will be redesigned and will be thinner than the existing phones in the line up.

The screen resolution will allegedly be higher than the iPhone 6 Plus to even the playing field with their competitors who have higher smartphone pixel density. The larger screen and screen resolution will also mean that the battery life will be better. Since the phone will be thin, it will be reinforced with harder material and could arrive with sapphire or Corning's Project Phire. As for storage, there will be no more 16GB storage options and it could very well start at least 32GB, according to the outlet.

According to the Mirror, the new iPhone may be at least £539 (at least $800) for a 16GB model. The 64GB could be £619 (at least $900) and the 128GB could be £699 (at least $1000). 

The iPhone 7 is rumored to be released on Sept. 2016.