Another year, another iPhone. If Apple decides to follow the pattern they’ve established over the past couple of years, then we’ll probably get to see a new phone sometime this Autumn. With a new iPhone just around the corner, you’re probably wondering what features the iPhone 8* could possibly boast over the previous models. Furthermore, since 2017 marks the 10th anniversary of the iPhone, you know that Apple will want to mark the occasion with something big. And since it’s Apple we’re talking about, you probably also know that the rumor mills are churning in over time as we head into the summer. So without further ado, here’s everything we know so far.
Radical Redesign
Every iPhone that comes out has a new, sleek design to go along with it. When it comes to the iPhone 8, the rumors have all been consistent in saying that it’ll be a much more marked redesign than the “incremental approach” sported by the “not-that-different-than-the-iPhone-6”, iPhone 7.
So what exactly will be new about it? How does an edge-to-edge display sound to you? Imagine the possibilities afforded by a full-screen display that actually takes up every piece of physical real estate on your device!
The device is rumored to be keeping the same dimensions as the iPhone 7 (4.7 inches) and 7 Plus (5.5 inches) except that the iPhone 8’s base model’s screen will be as large as the 7 Plus’ due to the (implied) fact that it won’t sport a bezel.
It’s also rumored that the aforementioned screen would be curved on both sides just like the Samsung Galaxy S7, but new information has been released that suggests that it’ll look similar to the iPhone 7 albeit with a slight curve.
Flexible Plastic OLED
Typically, the iPhone came with an LED screen, however, rumors suggest that Cupertino has decided to opt for a flexible plastic OLED screen instead. This allows the device to be thinner in size and consume less battery which, in turn, will allow the display to be brighter and display even more realistic colors.
Typically, the iPhone came with an LED screen, however, rumors suggest that Cupertino has decided to opt for a flexible plastic OLED screen instead. This allows the device to be thinner in size and consume less battery which, in turn, will allow the display to be brighter and display even more realistic colors.
Touch ID
There won’t be the Touch ID fingerprint sensor that was featured at the bottom of the bezel with previous models. Instead, it’ll be built directly into the display. What this means is that there won’t a physical Home button that you’ll be able to press. Instead, you’ll have your fingerprint scanned right on your screen and everything on this phone will be accessible via virtual buttons on your screen.
Glass Body
Apple is allegedly deciding to move away from the aluminum body that was used in the iPhone 5, 5s, 6, 6s, 7 and SE models, making a triumphant return to the use of glass. If you forgot what the glass body iPhone looked like, it’ll likely be somewhat similar to the design of the iPhone 4/4S models. The glass body will be built around a stainless steel frame, a design cue which they’ve used previously when building the Apple Watch.
Water Resistant
Not completely revolutionary given that the iPhone 7 is water resistant as well. However, Apple is reportedly making going further than it did with its previous device. While the iPhone 7 was IP67 rated, the new iPhone 8 should be able to withstand rain, submersion in water, and all manner of splashes.
Not completely revolutionary given that the iPhone 7 is water resistant as well. However, Apple is reportedly making going further than it did with its previous device. While the iPhone 7 was IP67 rated, the new iPhone 8 should be able to withstand rain, submersion in water, and all manner of splashes.
Wireless Charging
Palm Pre fans, rejoice. The one feature that was the hallmark of webOS devices half a decade ago has finally made it to Apple devices, should the reports be believed. The iPhone 8 is supposedly going to have a 10-nanometer chip that’ll make the phone work faster and perform better. That same chip will also allow the phone to charge on a pedestal-type device. That’s right, the iPhone 8 may not even include an in-wall charger in the box.
Palm Pre fans, rejoice. The one feature that was the hallmark of webOS devices half a decade ago has finally made it to Apple devices, should the reports be believed. The iPhone 8 is supposedly going to have a 10-nanometer chip that’ll make the phone work faster and perform better. That same chip will also allow the phone to charge on a pedestal-type device. That’s right, the iPhone 8 may not even include an in-wall charger in the box.
3D Sensing Front-Camera
Undoubtedly, the best feature of the iPhone is its camera. Apple’s phones produce shots that are clean, crisp, and always featuring eye-popping colors. So, with that being said, rumor has it that the front-facing camera will have 3D sensing capabilities that’ll use PrimeSense technology. What does that mean? By using PrimeSense technology, the iPhone 8 will be able to find the location of a given object or person as well as achieve facial and iris recognition. It’ll even know how far away objects are from the camera! In addition to working on PrimeSense tech, they’re also trying to improve the front-facing FaceTime camera as well as exploring the idea of a vertical rear camera.
Undoubtedly, the best feature of the iPhone is its camera. Apple’s phones produce shots that are clean, crisp, and always featuring eye-popping colors. So, with that being said, rumor has it that the front-facing camera will have 3D sensing capabilities that’ll use PrimeSense technology. What does that mean? By using PrimeSense technology, the iPhone 8 will be able to find the location of a given object or person as well as achieve facial and iris recognition. It’ll even know how far away objects are from the camera! In addition to working on PrimeSense tech, they’re also trying to improve the front-facing FaceTime camera as well as exploring the idea of a vertical rear camera.
While hundreds of other rumors exist, we’ve brought you the ones we think are most likely to be included with the new 2017 iPhone. Knowing how unpredictable Apple can be, however, be sure to expect some surprises.
What feature do you want to see on the new iPhone 8? Make sure to leave a comment below.
*Logic would dictate that this phone should be called the iPhone 7S. Still, since it’s the 10th year anniversary of the first iPhone, many on the internet have taken to calling it the iPhone 8.