iPhone 7 launch date CONFIRMED - Apple to unveil its new smartphone next week

Apple appears to have confirmed the launch date of its long-awaited iPhone 7

Apple has sent out media invitations for an event next week, where it is widely expected to unveil its next flagship handset - the iPhone 7 .

The event is taking place at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on Wednesday, September 7, at 10am local time, (6pm BST).

Apple often likes to include a hidden message in its invitations, but this one gives very little away.

It carries the tagline "See you on the 7th" - which may allude to the name "iPhone 7", as well as the date.

It also features a number of translucent clouded dots outlining the top portion of Apple's logo, which may relate to the rumor that Apple is planning to introduce new clouded handsets.

In photography, this out-of-focus effect is called booked. It is usually hard to create with a phone camera, suggesting that the iPhone 7 could feature an upgraded camera lens.

However, these dots could also be water droplets, which would be relevant if Apple was planning to launch a waterproof iPhone.

Rumours have been swirling about the iPhone 7 for many months, with numerous rumours and leaked photos adding fuel to the frenzy.

The most persistent (and controversial) rumour is that Apple is going to get rid of the headphone socket.

This means you will either have to buy a pair of headphones that use a Lightning cable, get an adapter, or use Bluetooth headphones.

There are a lot of rumours that the iPhone 7 will get a camera upgrade - but this may only apply to the 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus, not the 4.7-inch iPhone 7.

The rumour is that it the larger iPhone will get a dual-lens camera that will be able to snap SLR-quality photos and 3D images.

There has been a lot of talk about Apple removing the Home button, but the latest rumours suggest this will be a key feature of next year's model.

Instead, Apple could add some pressure-sensitivity to the Home button, meaning it will perform different functions depending on how hard you press it.

The latest leaked pictures suggest that Apple is going to get rid of the plastic lines that run across the back of the iPhone.

These lines currently allow radio signals to pass through the metal casing and reach the antennas. However, it looks like Apple may be planning to redesign the case to get around this restriction.