Apple's next iPhone is just a fortnight away but the latest buzz suggests excitement has been reserved for 2017 when the company launches iPhone 8.
The iPhone 7's lack of a new design is garnering attention. This year's device, though a significant upgrade over last year's, is expected to resemble the iPhone from two years ago. From a phone that demands a premium, dated design is a no-no. While we wait to see how the iPhone 7 sells, talk of iPhone 8 suggests it will be like nothing we have seen before.
Edge Display
Ever since Samsung popularized edge displays, several Android makers began experimenting with screen shapes. Galaxy S7 and Note 7 have received rave reviews, showing the way ahead for other device makers. Apple does not move on quickly (remember Apple was selling 4-inch phones when most Android phone makers had made 5-inch the default screen size) so reports of iPhone 8 featuring edge or curved display is surprising. Edge to edge OLED display without the home-button could be a treat for Apple loyalists who may not take a liking to iPhone 7.
Perfecting Thickness
At 6.9 mm, iPhone 6 was thinnest iPhone Apple made. The iPhone 6S was 7.1 mm thick and we know the iPhone 7 is of the same thickness though Apple did away with the headphone jack, blaming it for thickness. Other lesser known manufacturers have retained the headphone jack in phones much thinner than the iPhone 6S. iPhone 8 could set a paradigm in thickness as it is rumored to feature an all new glass-metal body. Apple made the iPhone 6s out of its patented aluminum 7000 series metal which could either be modified or replaced for a thinner iPhone next year. iPhone 8 (Apple is said to be skipping iPhone 7s) could be sub-6 mm device.
While reports of an iPhone 8 with edge to edge display integrating the home button enthrall us, it must be noted that Apple, may restrict these features to the bigger or the more expensive Pro model, rendering the smaller 4.7-inch device less glamorous.
