Apple iPhone 8 Release Date, Specs, Price: New leaks and rumors

iPhone 8 release date specs and rumors

The Apple iPhone 8 is perhaps the most-awaited smartphone launches this year. This year’s iPhone would likely be a major overhaul with new technologies that are going to make it a game changer. Apple will celebrate the iconic iPhone’s 10th anniversary in 2017, as the original iPhone released way back in 2007. The iPhone-maker is known to re-introduce its phone’s design every two years, but multiple reports and leaks suggest that Apple might adopt a different approach with the iPhone 8. So in this article, we’ve compiled a list of the all the details, leaks, and rumors that have surfaced about the Apple iPhone 8 in just the last couple of weeks.

Apple iPhone 8 to come in three variants

Japanese blog Macotakara, a rather reputable source for Apple leaks and rumors, indicate the launch of three iPhone models this year. According to the report, two existing iPhone models would get upgraded to the iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus models with speed improvements and a metal casing, similar to the iPhone 4s.

Macotakara further adds that the special anniversary edition will have the iPhone 8 moniker, and is expected to feature a 5-inch OLED screen with an all glass body. Besides, a new report by DigiTimes also suggests that Apple has joined hands with Samsung Display to produce the 5.8-inch AMOLED screen for iPhone 8. Some sources even indicate that Apple has cut a deal with Taiwan-based suppliers along with Samsung to provide OLED screens for the iPhone 8. However, only the special edition 5-inch OLED model might come with wireless charging capabilities, while the rest won’t.

On the contrary KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, another solid Apple tipster with a reliable track record, states that all three iPhone models could feature wireless charging capabilities.

Apple iPhone 8 to get an L-shaped battery

The most recent rumor talks about an L-shaped battery on the upcoming iPhone 8. Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that Apple is opting for a stacked logic board layout. Now what this does is create more room to fit a bigger battery into the already slim iPhone chassis.

iPhone 8 battery
Image Credits: 9to5Mac

With this workaround, we can expect improved battery life with the iPhone 8. Kuo also notes that the use Organic LED display technology instead of an LCD screen might further bolster the overall battery performance compared to the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The iPhone 8 is expected to come with a 2700mAh battery.

Apple iPhone 8 to look like a flat slab of glass

The upcoming iPhone 8 is said to appear like a flat slab of glass with no visual interruptions. Fast Company in a recent report stated that it’s going to look “something like a smooth black monolith with few visual interruptions to its sleek design.”

Now, this is something we’ve heard before and falls in line analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s earlier prediction. He said that Apple would not use aluminum or plastic in its 10th anniversary iPhone. Instead, it’ll feature an all-glass body tethered by a stainless steel frame just like the iPhone 4S.

Apple iPhone 8 to have less physical buttons

Also, more details from Fast Company’s report suggest that the iPhone 8 may have fewer physical buttons. The report states that there’ll be no volume buttons, no mute switch on the sides, and perhaps not even a power button. Instead, the handset would feature capacitive-like buttons – just like the Home button on the latest iPhone 7. The reason being that Apple plans to enhance the phone’s waterproofing capabilities, and in the process, it’ll likely get rid of all the physical buttons. The home button/ fingerprint sensor will not exist as a physical portion of the new phone’s design, as it’ll be integrated within the expanse of the display itself.

Apple iPhone 8 might feature wireless charging

Another intersecting piece of information that recently surfaced is that Apple just joined the association of QI standards. It’s the organization that brings wireless charging to almost every smartphone currently available in the market. Now, this does lean towards iPhone 8 getting wireless charging capabilities. Also, well-known case maker Dbrand recently leaked an invitation from Apple, which also talks about a wireless future. We’re not sure as to the credibility of the invite, but it’s certainly in line style wise with Apple keynote invitations of the past.

Apple iPhone 8 will probably have an Iris scanner

DigiTimes, which has a hit-and-miss reputation with rumors, states that the next iPhone 8 could feature an Iris scanner. Ming-Chi Kuo also notes that5 Apple is working on advanced biometric features in the smartphone An Iris scanner would also make the iPhone 8 compete against the Galaxy S8, also expected to arrive in a few months with an Iris scanner.

Apple iPhone 8 camera may have 3D capabilities

We can expect a major overhaul in the camera department as well. Korea Economic Daily reports that Apple might join hands with LG to develop a 3D camera for the iPhone 8. The report also suggests that a 3D camera fitted on the iPhone 8 could even make use of augmented reality technology, and allow users to recognize physical objects in the real world. Apple is reportedly researching to use LG Innotek’s 3D camera module in the iPhone 8. LG Innotek’s 3D camera module is said to get integrated with iPhone 8’s dual rear camera system, further bundled with 3D technology with the acquisition of LinX in 2015.

Apple iPhone 8 may cost more than $1000

The iPhone 8 is likely to cost more than a $1000. And it’s not your top-end iPhone 8 model, as Fast Company reports that the base variant of the iPhone may cost ‘North of a $1000’. Now, this makes sense as Apple is also releasing two affordable options in the form of the iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus. The report cites that such exorbitant price tag is due to features like wireless charging, 3D Touch Gen2, the glass body, and more.

Apple has always launched its newest iPhone at its keynote event September for quite some time now, so it’s probably safe to assume that the next iPhone 8 is also expected to go official in September 2017.

About the author

Allen Parker

Allen Parker

Allen is a qualified writer and a blogger, who loves to dabble with and write about technology. While focusing on and writing on tech topics, his varied skills and experience enables him to write on any topic related to tech which may interest him. You can contact him at allen@pc-tablet.com.

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