The smartphone season is upon us. Mobile World Congress, the world’s largest gathering for the mobile industry is some few weeks away (27th February – 2nd March), after which it will be followed by Samsung Galaxy S8 on 29 March.
However, the release date of the much hyped iPhone 8 is further down the queue. But don’t be worried. The wait may seem long but it is worth it, judging by the most recent iPhone 8 rumors.
The unconfirmed reports suggest that the 2017 Apple flagship phone will play host to array of new, enticing features. It will, with respect to LG G6, S8 and HTC 11, take the smartphone battle to a whole new level, reports Forbes.
We are still separated by exactly 8 months before we can set eyes on the new iPhone 8. The question that many are asking themselves is whether they should be patient till this fall or just make a quick upgrade to iPhone 7. Well, to make such a decision, here is some helpful information:
Take note, this article assumes Apple’s new iPhone will be called iPhone 8. Some analysts have preferred using the term iPhone X.
iPhone 8 Release Date
Possible Dates: 4th Sept, 11th Sept or 29th June
Apple is known to hold strict dates for launching new devices and the iPhone 8 will be no different. The fact that Apple is yet to begin spreading rumors on the release date does not imply we are completely in the dark.
Right from the time iPhone 4S was launched in 2011, Apple has maintained September to be its preferred date for announcing a new member to the iPhone line. We have no reason suggesting that iPhone 8 will take a different direction.
The exact September date remains unknown but most analysts have collectively agreed that iPhone 8 will be released this fall.
But generally, if things remain as they have been in the past then expect the new iPhone 8 either the week of September 4 or September 11.
But again, remember this year is Apple’s Anniversary so the tech giant may choose a different release date, preferable June 29th when the first iPhone was released.
After the release, orders will be expected to drop in the last few weeks of the chosen month and then in-store release to follow later the same month.
iPhone 8 Price
Do not expect Apple’s iPhone 8 to be any easier on your wallet, but it will not be that expensive either.
Apple seems to have predestined the price ranges for its iPhones, whether it’s a major upgrade or just some slight software adjustments. With each additional member to the iPhone family, the price has simultaneously knocked around £100 off the cost of the price of the predecessor.
The iphone 7 32GB model cost £599 while the iPhone 7 Plus starting price is £719.
That gives us a rough idea of the iPhone 8 price but considering there will be a complete overhaul, the price may increase slightly.
iPhone 8 Design
What the world has been demanding for from Cupertino may soon be fulfilled through the new iPhone 8.
The smartphone is expected to introduce a brand new look and feel. The major changes will begin with the physical home button that will presumably be kicked out for good. The killing of the physical home button will create room for a much bigger screen.
Some have also suggested that Apple will use the Samsung Galaxy S7 example to design a smartphone with a curved screen – both on the left and right.
KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is hugely reputable for having predicted new features in Apple products. The recently prediction is that will feature an all-glass enclosure.
However, this will not be the first time Apple is making such a move considering it did so with the iPhone 4 and 4S. The disadvantage of such a move is durability as many claimed the 4 and 4s were prone to cracking when accidentally dropped.
In addition, Kuo notes that some investors have expressed concerns that glass casing would serve to make the phone too heavy and even fail drop tests. But again there are those of the opinion that Apple will have no problems with glass casing.
“Apple already uses glass casing for iPhone 4/ 4S, and non-Apple brands have also been using glass casings. We therefore think a drop test will not be problematic for glass casing,” Kuo wrote in his report, according to MacRumours.
iPhone “8” Specs and Name
According to leaks from the world number one smartphone maker, the new iPhone 8 will upgrade IP68 water and dust resistance ratings. What this implies is that Apple will seek to have a device that can withstand water submersion of 1.5 metres for up to 30 minutes. As at the moment, only Samsung Galaxy S7 has this ability.
In addition, it was rumored that Apple was making a huge redesign of the iPhone 7.
But we expect a shift from the normal 4.5-inch and 5.5-inch iPhones. Reports emerged last week that Apple was working on another secretive iPhone X and that the normal numbering convention would be discarded.
Probably, they will just call it “iPhone” like they did with the iPad in 2012. Back then, everyone thought the next device would be iPad 3 but Apple decided to use the name “iPad” and a subtle note that signified its third generation status.
The other belief is that Apple will support wireless charging by building the iPhones with glass bodies around stainless steel frames.
There are rumors that Apple will ditch the LCD displays and borrow a leaf from Samsung’s OLED panels.
OLED is a high-end screen technology that has immersive blacks and brighter while at the same time ensuring the colors are not only natural but also less taxation of the battery’s lifespan.
The exact size of the screen is not yet known but suggestions indicate that 5-inch phones will be the standard with iPhone 8 approaching a 6-inch size (most likely 5.8 inches).
The phone’s battery power will also be boosted due to software improvement to eke out additional energy. Get ready for the launch of iOS 11 alongside iPhone 8.
Some earlier leaks had claimed that iOS will introduce massive upgrades including a small floating keyboard that would make it possible to type with one hand while FaceTime will add group video calls to a maximum of five users chatting simultaneously.
New software combined with A11 processor will provide you with a sleeker experience than ever before.