The iPhone launch is usually the biggest technology event of the year, but the launch of the iPhone 8 will be even more important, as 2017 marks the tenth anniversary of the original iPhone. With such a momentous occasion at hand, all eyes are on Apple, and all the new features it is expected to bring to the iPhone product line.
There are already all kinds of iPhone 8 rumors swirling around right now – for example, it's been reported that Apple working on more than 10 prototypes of the next iPhone. Though over nine months remain before the iPhone 8 launch, the excitement about the smartphone is palpable, and leaks have already started pouring in, giving us a fair idea of what to expect from the device. Here’s a look at everything we know about the iPhone 8, Apple’s next flagship smartphone.
iPhone 8 may have an all-glass body
The all-glass body that we last saw Apple use with iPhone 4S is expected to make a comeback, with many iPhone 8 leaks suggesting that the next Apple smartphone will use curved glass on the back. This falls in line with KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s prediction that Apple will not use aluminium or plastic in iPhone 8.
iPhone 8 may come in three (or more) screen sizes
While fans have become used to a choice of two flagship iPhone variants (4.7- and 5.5-inch displays) over the past three generations of iPhones, the iPhone 8 rumours say it may come in three screen sizes, or even more. According to analysts citing supply chain sources, Apple may launch iPhone 8 variants with 5-inch, and 5.8-inch, screens.
Barclays analysts say that the company will release the iPhone 8 with 5-inch and 5.8-inch displays, while maintaining the same overall size as the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. This effectively means a bigger, bezel-less screen in the same dimensions as that of the predecessors.
On the other hand, Ming-Chi Kuo – who has a great track record of Apple predictions – says that the company will release a 4.7-inch iPhone 8 with LCD panel and a 5.8-inch iPhone 8 with AMOLED display, which consumes less power and delivers better contrast. However, if the AMOLED supplies are insufficient, Apple may launch the iPhone 8 with 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch LCD panels, and a premium iPhone 8 model with 5.8-inch AMOLED screen.
A report by Japan’s Nikkei newspaper also talks about a premium iPhone 8 with a 5.5-inch or larger display. This report also says that the premium iPhone 8’s display will be curved on the sides, as we have seen earlier on Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge and Galaxy S7 Edge; the other two variants will have flat display panels, it adds.
iPhone 8 will not have a Home button
This is the most frequenty leaked of all rumoured iPhone 8 features: that the iPhone 8 will not have the Home button. Instead, the Touch ID fingerprint sensor and the selfie camera of the iPhone 8 will be integrated in the touchscreen itself. iPhone 8 may even have some new 3D Touch functionalities that enable it to replace some of the functions of the Home button.
iPhone 8 may debut a new haptic feedback system
Apple will reportedly use a small, high-performance motor in the iPhone 8 to deliver better haptic feedback. So iPhone 8 buyers may get different vibration feedback for each function, such as switching between apps, going back to the homescreen, and unlocking the device.
iPhone 8 will probably have wireless charging
Another common iPhone 8 leaked is wireless charging. While wireless charging has been used by many smartphones, Apple’s take on the feature will be different. Apparently, iPhone 8 will feature long-range wireless charging that will not require the user to place the device on a charging station or even very close to it. South Korea’s Economic Daily News says Apple will use a wireless charging back cover for iPhone 8, so the feature may not be built-in.
iPhone 8 may have an iris scanner
The ill-fated Samsung Galaxy Note 7 had an iris scanner, and the feature may make its way to the next Apple flagship smartphone as well, according to iPhone 8 leaks. Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple is working on introducing advance biometric features in the smartphone, so an iris scanner on the iPhone 8 may indeed become a reality. However, some reports say that the iris scanner feature will be ready for 2018, and not next year.
iPhone 8 camera may offer 3D photography
The Korea Economic Daily says that Apple is studying ways to use LG Innotek’s 3D camera module in the iPhone 8. LG Innotek’s 3D camera module will be used in the iPhone 8’s dual rear camera system, alongside the 3D technology Apple acquired with the buyout of LinX in 2015, to deliver photos with 3D effects.
Apart from this, iPhone 8 may feature Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) in the telephoto lens as well as the wide-angle lens. The iPhone 7 only has OIS in the wide-angle lens.
It's likely to be named iPhone 8While past naming conventions dictate that the 2017 iPhone models would be called iPhone 7s, and iPhone 7s Plus, most rumours say may not be the case. The tenth anniversary of the iPhone launch in 2007, will make next year's release a pretty big occasion for Apple. You can expect the name of the smartphone to be iPhone 8, though it is not beyond Apple to just call it something like the ‘New iPhone’.
iPhone 8 will probably be launched in September 2017
Apple has launched the next iteration of the iPhone in September for several years now, so it's probably safe to say you can expect to see the official unveiling of iPhone 8 in September 2017. The first phase of iPhone 8 should begin 10 days or two weeks later, most likely on a Friday.
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