iPhone 7 rumors tell us Apple shelved plans for a Smart Connector on the iPhone 7. Secret sources say those three little dots are MIA on the latest prototypes.
[Developing story. Updated 8:53 am PT with more comment]
What with this, and the earlier whispers that 2016's iPhone is basically the 6s design, plus the recent leak that it'll still have a headphone socket, the 'iPhone 7' is shaping up to be a bit of a non-event. Or at least, that's the worry.
As ever, we won't know until the official reveal. But, in IT Blogwatch, that won't stop bloggers mongering rumors.
Your humble blogwatcher curated these bloggy bits for your entertainment. Not to mention: BGP, the unsung hero of the Internet…
What’s the craic? Danbo-san is lost in translation—Smart Connector is off of the next iPhone?:
The three holes in the iPhone 7 Plus case picture is the Smart Connector. [But] the Smart Connector design has been postponed for the iPhone 7 Plus.
Panic! Emergency! Wait, what? Adam Westlake runs to the Batmobile—iPhone 7 to skip Smart Connector says latest report:
We seem to be going back and forth with "will it or won't it" [for the] "iPhone 7." ... The latest report says...the Smart Connector...may not appear on the larger "iPhone 7 Plus." [Danbo, who has] a fairly decent track record, says [it] will not be included.
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It's important to note that the feature was firmly in the "rumor" category. ... With September quickly approaching, the iPhone 7 rumors and leaks will only increase.
So we don't really know, do we? That's never stopped Gordon Kelly, who crows Significant Feature Removed:
Doubts are growing about what users might get in 2016. ... The ‘Smart Connector’...was clearly visible in a leaked iPhone 7 prototype [but Danbo] says Apple decided not to carry it forward.
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Apple introduced the Smart Connector with the iPad Pro range. [It] delivers both power and data. ... It could’ve led to some seriously sleek wireless headphones, mini keyboards, ‘smart’...cases, etc.
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This isn’t the first time Apple has...scaled back ambitions for the iPhone 7. [The] famously accurate...Ming-Chi Kuo has claimed [it] will not have “many attractive selling points.” ... All of which has me worried. ... It’s not looking great.
Sheesh, Gordon, it's only May. Brandon Hill runs up it—Smart Connector Will Be A No-Show:
We haven’t even reached the summer yet. ... Having such functionality on an iPhone could open up a new avenue for innovative new accessories.
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But given how secretive Apple is...the original rumor could have been [just] wishful thinking. ... Two rumors, however, that won’t go away are...dual rear cameras and [no] headphone jack.
Can we be sensible for a moment? David Nield says No:
The sensible option...would be to just wait and see what Apple unveils...and ignore all of the rumours...online in the meantime. But where's the fun in that?
Update: Follow the money. That's the exhortation of this former apple fan:
Everything about apple and being a fan died after Steve jobs. ... Apple hasn't wowed fans. ... It was years ahead of time in tech, design and quality.
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To me apple has taken one goal to make "MONEY". ... Same old tech with microscopic changes because it knows that it is riding on the hard work of Steve jobs and his vision.
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I cant even hang up my phone sometimes after a call you can beat a hammer on the call end button and nothing would happen till the person on the other end hangs up. ... All my friends suffer from this and I'm sure you do too.
And Finally…
Wow, routing packets on the Internet is really hard
You have been reading IT Blogwatch by Richi Jennings, who curates the best bloggy bits, finest forums, and weirdest websites… so you don’t have to. Catch the key commentary from around the Web every morning. Hatemail may be directed to @RiCHi or itbw@richi.uk. 
Opinions expressed may not represent those of Computerworld. Ask your doctor before reading. Your mileage may vary. E&OE.