Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is expected to launch a completely redesigned iPhone, possibly dubbed the iPhone 8, in September.
The iPhone 8 is said to feature an OLED display, wireless charging, a front-facing 3D camera, and some blockbuster AR capabilities.
Famous Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that the company won’t be able to ship until later in the fall. He predicted October-November as a production ramp-up schedule of the OLED iPhone.
“For optimized promotional effect, we think Apple may unveil the three models simultaneously in September, though the launch date of the OLED version may trail that of LCD models, and supply tightness may not improve before 1H18,” Kuo said in one of his research notes.
Here is everything we so far know about the purported iPhone 8.
iPhone 8 Rumors
The iPhone 8 is rumored to feature a 5.8-inch curved OLED screen. Apple is reportedly sourcing OLED displays from Samsung. Reports suggest that Apple is in talks with LG Display to purchase OLED panels for the iPhones. The tech giant will reportedly invest $1.75-2.62 billion into LG Display’s OLED manufacturing plant.
OLED is better than traditional LCD in contrast ratio, colors, and viewing angles. It consumes less power compared to LCD and requires no backlighting like LCD.
The new phone is expected to come with a long-distance wireless charging tech. The iPhone maker is reportedly building its own technology to enable the phone’s recharging from the long distance.
Kuo, however, believes that wireless charging in the iPhone 8 will be enabled through an optional accessory in the iPhone 8. He added that that accessory will be purchased alongside the new iPhones.
The iPhone 8 is said to feature a glass body with metal frames to facilitate WPC-standard wireless charging functionality.
Rumors suggest that the iPhone 8 won’t get Touch ID fingerprint authentication. Instead, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is testing 3D facial detection to replace Touch ID, according to a report from Bloomberg.
Meanwhile, Apple is expected to improve the camera technology in the iPhone 8.
Kuo earlier predicted that the 10th anniversary iPhone will feature a dual-lens camera that was originally introduced in the iPhone 7 Plus. According to the analyst, the iPhone 8 will come with optical image stabilization for both the wide-angle and telephoto lenses.
A report by Korea Economic Daily had claimed that Apple will add a 3D camera to the iPhone 8.
Price and Release Date
The iPhone 8 would be a little expensive smartphone due to OLED display and wireless charging. JP Morgen predicted that the 10th anniversary will be offered at $1,000.
As far as the launch date is concerned, we believe that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will unveil the iPhone 8 in September alongside the iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus.