This year marks the 10th anniversary of the iPhone, and while the release of the iPhone 8 is still some months away, there is already widespread speculation about what we can expect.
One thing is certain, with Apple rumoured to be testing more than 10 prototype models, the next iPhone is unlikely to be anything short of impressive.
Here are eight iPhone 8 rumours we might expect:
1. A name change
It appears that Apple might take a huge break from its usual numbered naming tradition, in favour of iPhone X. This new name simultaneously has the effect of highlighting the phone’s status, as well as giving a nod to the decade of the iPhone, since X is the Roman numeral for 10.
2. Edge-to-edge display
The new iPhone is said to have a sleek edge-to-edge OLED (organic light-emitting diode) display, covering the length and breadth of the screen. The Home button is also slated to disappear, to be replaced with a set of virtual buttons built into the screen itself.
3. Wireless charging
This concept has been a long time coming, and it would come as no surprise to anyone if Apple were the first company to introduce it. According to some reports, a Taiwanese tech manufacturer is making wireless charging modules for the iPhone 8.
4. Foldable design
Perhaps the most unbelievable rumour yet, the new iPhone may be capable of being ‘folded’. This is due to a buzz around town that Apple has filed a patent in order to secure the technology for the future. It’s worth noting that Apple files a lot of patents, but not all of them are applied to its products.
5. Stainless steel and glass shell
Harking back to the iPhone 4, Apple may make the return to the stainless steel shell with glass covering the front and back panels. The jet-black version of the iPhone 7 was very popular worldwide, and Apple’s desire to switch to the glass casing may be a response to this, since glass isn’t as prone to showing scratches as aluminum.
6. Return of the headphone jack?
If you thought Apple could be taught a lesson about what its customers want, think again. The tech giant is said to be going forward with advancing the jack-less technology.
Samsung is likely to follow suit, with the new Galaxy S8 expected to be released sans headphone jack.
7. Not two, but three
iPhone X is expected to be available in three sizes: a 4.7-inch; a 5.5-inch TFT-LCD display model with aluminum covering; and a premium version, a 5.8-inch OLED display with stainless steel covering.
8. Facial recognition
Expect to be blasted with laser beams by your phone. The new iPhone will use facial recognition technology to allow you to unlock the device. Unconfirmed reports suggest the phone camera will scan the user’s facial features to confirm his or her identity.
With a likely release date in September, we’ll just have to wait and see what Apple has in store for us.
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