Will the iPhone 7 return to its "4" design roots?

This afternoon we're having a peek at a few images of what the iPhone 7 might look like next year. While this year we're almost certainly set to have another "s" release with the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, with similar designs to last year's hardware, next year we'll have a seven, and an opportunity for revival. Industrial designer and CAD artist Ivo Maric has a few images he's shared to shed some light on to this potential retro revision, complete with flat edges.

The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus introduced some slightly more rounded edges to the mix. These devices left the flatness of the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 behind, instead opting for a much more smooth delivery. Of course with cases on, it doesn't make a whole lot of difference. But for the first purchase, the screen delivers a very similar experience.

But what about those few that like to use their iPhone without the shielding? What about the people who want to use their iPhone without any cases at all? For them, there's the industrial design that sells consumers in the first place.

Here you're seeing a number of renderings of what very well COULD be the next iPhone. The iPhone 7, it'll more than likely be called. What else could Apple do at this point but move the bits and pieces around?

Why not satisfy those that loved the look and the feel of the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5, but want the larger sizes of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus?

Could Apple create a new phone with a classic look? It'd be unheard of for the company to look so far back in time. But we shall see.

You can see more images created by Maric via his BeeSpline Instagram account. He's also provided early looks at what the next Galaxy Note might look like – have a peek at the Galaxy Note 5 right now as well, fully rendered. Have a look at the timeline below for more information about the next iPhone.