iPhone 7 Release Date, Specs & Price Rumors: Apple Testing Li-Fi Feature on Smartphone?

Apple's iPhone 7 could be released with Li-Fi technology to replace Wi-Fi and it's said to be a hundred times faster. A Twitter user spotted a peculiar data from Apple's iOS 9.1 code to indicate the company was testing out Li-Fi.

Twitter member Kyoufujibaya specifically saw the file in the operating system's library cache file, where it indicated "LiFi Capability."

Apple Insider confirmed what was discovered and suggested that the tech company is currently experimenting with the technology. The news outlet also reported that Apple filed a patent application in 2013 for a process called "optical demodulation using an image censor." What this does is to capture image and data using a light-based wireless system, which is how Li-Fi works.

Professor Harald Haas developed and invented Li-Fi using light waves instead of radio waves to access the Internet at high speed, according to the Caledonian Mercury. Li-Fi is said to be more secure than Wi-Fi and it also offers no limitations. For instance, one can have good and fast connection even when aboard an aircraft cabin when using Li-Fi.

It's not yet clear how Apple is experimenting with the technology but, as the Twitter post suggested, it's likely it will be implemented once the iPhone 7 is released. Channel Pro reported that with the next-gen smartphone speculated to come with drastic changes in its features -- such as the removal of the headphone jack, the addition of the Lightning port and the implementation of wireless charging -- it's possible the coming device could come with Li-Fi as well.

It's not only Apple that's been experimenting with Li-Fi technology as, last year, a tech startup company called Velmenni tested Li-Fi using smart LED lights. In its experiment, transferring of data was accomplished in a matter of seconds at the speed of 1GBps, according to Tech Radar. The news outlet also suggested that it is possible Li-Fi won't end up as one of iPhone 7's features and that Apple is experimenting with the technology to use for its other devices like the Apple TV, iPhone and the iPad.

Alphr also reported it doubts that the iPhone 7 will have Li-Fi considering its launch is expected in a few months. Apple is well-known for taking time with introducing new technology and, with Li-Fi still in its experimental, it will be too early to experience this on its coming smartphone.