Apple iPhone 8: Curved screen, dual-camera and everything we know so far

Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 8 at the company's 10th anniversary

apple, iPhone, iPhone 8
People line up at an Apple store
Khalid Anzar New Delhi
Last Updated : Apr 19 2017 | 8:55 AM IST
Apple is one smartphone manufacturer that enjoys to be among a fair share of rumours every year. And, if the rumour mill is to be believed, Apple has already started working on the design language, feature sets and hardware of the next generation of its iPhone, speculated to be named the iPhone 8 and expected to be launched later this year.

Given that Apple has been using the same design language for past three generation of iPhones – iPhone 6, iPhone 6S, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus – it is expected that the iPhone 8, or the next iteration, would make a design shift and be built right from scratch. Apart from the design language, there is also a lot of buzz around the hardware and software enhancement aspects of the iPhone.

Let’s take a quick look at the top speculations about the next iPhone:

Variants

According to speculations, Apple is currently testing at least 10 prototypes of the so-called iPhone 8 with different screen sizes, camera set-ups, battery capacities and display resolutions.


Eventually, according to the reports, the company could launch at least three new devices. Two of those could be upgraded versions of the current iPhone models, while one might be the anniversary edition model that would set the tone for future iPhones.

Display

The anniversary edition of iPhone 8 is speculated to feature a large curved display, 5.7-inch to 5.8-inch in size. According to reports, the iPhone 8 could feature a display covering the entire front. The fingerprint scanner, earpiece, sensors and front camera might move behind the display. It is, however, difficult to understand how the company will make that possible.


If Apple covers the entire front with the display, it will reduce the iPhone 8 size remarkably – something that the tech community has been suggesting for a long time, considering that the top and bottom bezels on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 7 series are huge.


Camera

In the iPhone 7 Plus, Apple utilised a dual-camera set-up and that received good reviews and appreciation from most industry experts. With the anniversary edition iPhone 8, the camera game could reach another level. According to speculations, the new iPhone 8 might come with a dual-camera set-up at the ,rear but in a vertical position. Also, the front-facing camera could see a huge change and the iPhone 8 might possess a dual lens set-up at the front.

The interesting bit in the rumours is that the new camera set-up in the iPhone 8 could have an advanced depth of field enhancements, coupled with an augmented reality (AR) support and that, if true, should be the greatest move.

Design, Processor and Operating system

According to speculations, the iPhone 8 might feature a compact stainless steel body with seamless curved sides and a slim build. The new processor that will tick the iPhone 8 is speculated to be manufactured on a 10-nanometer production process.


It is also rumoured that Apple is tuning iOS 11 in a way that the operating system seamlessly functions with the hardware. Given that the curved display is not the first in the market -- Samsung is already acing the game with its latest Galaxy S8 and S8+ devices – it is for Apple to see how well the iOS can be made to use hardware to reflect the prowess of software.

Conclusion

The Apple iPhone 8 launch is still months far and more rumours might keep pouring in. The details mentioned above are based on rumours coming from some of the known industry insiders whose words, in most cases, prove correct. But, since these are still rumours, we take them with a pinch of salt. The rumours largely reflect the expectations of the fans around the world and, if any of these come true, the iPhone 8 should indeed become a global favourite.

One subscription. Two world-class reads.

Already subscribed? Log in

Subscribe to read the full story →
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

Next Story