“What will happen in the autumn in 2017?”

Soon there have been rumors of “iPhone 8 or X or 7s?” From various sites, but I was interested too, so I tried to summarize myself. It is “rumor” to the last. It would be greatly appreciated if you could read with a comfortable feeling.

Rumor

Overview

Apple plans to update the large iPhone planned for 2017.
Built-in glass body and edge-to-edge OLED display, Touch ID fingerprint sensor and front camera are built in. We can position this OLED model as a “premium model” and furthermore it will be sold with 4.7 inch and 5.5 inch iPhone (which followed the standard, conventional model).

naming

In accordance with Apple’s standard naming plan, it marked “s” to only show changes in internal design. If so, the 2017 iPhone should be called “iPhone 7s”. However, if Apple makes major changes to the iPhone in 2017, there is a possibility that the iPhone 2017 version will be “8”.

iPhone 8 is a tentative name of this device and has not been confirmed yet, but it seems to be the most realistic naming selection in the major update. However, Apple can confuse users by generating three iPhone models in 2017. For two basic devices, there is a possibility that it will be the same style as the existing iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, so the possibility of being called “iPhone 7s” and “iPhone 7s Plus” is strong. In that case, there is the possibility of becoming a lineup of “iPhone 7s” “iPhone 7s Plus” “iPhone 8” (or iPhone X and iPhone Pro).

Design

For iPhone 8, Apple is rumored to break away from the aluminum used since 2012 to distinguish the iPhone from previous devices. Apple is going to adopt the glass-back body used for the iPhone 4. Glass is more fragile and heavier than aluminum, but glass technology has made great progress, for example Gorilla Glass is more robust and less prone to breakage than ever. It is expected that there will be three versions of the iPhone, a “premium” 5.8 inch OLED model in multiple rumors, and two standard LCD devices, including 4.7 inch and 5.5 inch size. In the “premium” model, the possibility of adopting glass is high, but the other two models are unknown. The premium model is expected to have edge-to-edge design, 5.8 inch display with 5.15 inch usable area, and virtual buttons replacing existing home buttons.

The display itself is said to be flexible plastic OLED rather than liquid crystal. We can introduce thin type devices with low power consumption and provide “high contrast ratio, color fidelity display”. Also, as with the Galaxy S7 edge, there may be possibilities of curved edges on both sides, but it is unknown at this point (as of March 2017).

For the body, there is a possibility that glass like “iPhone 4” will be adopted from aluminum used by Apple on iPhones 5, 5s, 6, 6s, 7 and SE.
※ For this body, expectations are divided.

Water resistant

IPhone 8 is characterized by IP68 water resistance, and it is further improved than IP 67 obtained with iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.
Like the Galaxy S7 edge which gained IP68 certification, the iPhone 8 can withstand 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, and is also thoroughly protected against dust.

Mockup Concept

Although it is still too early to leak the iPhone 8, many designers are introducing videos of the mock-up concept, imagining how the iPhone 8 looks based on the current rumors.

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Display

At least one iPhone 8 model will be equipped with an OLED display and has already made a contract with Samsung. Samsung plans to provide an estimated 160 million OLED panel to Apple. This accounts for about 80% of all panels used for the device. Since other companies such as AU Optronics, Sharp, Japan Display are not ready for production until 2018, 2017 relies heavily on Samsung. OLED displays eliminate the need for backlights used in traditional LCDs, so Apple can reduce the thickness and weight of the display used in the device. Since the OLED display is also flexible, it is possible to create a device with “more curved display” or “wrapped display”. OLED displays will offer “better contrast ratio than LCD” “real color” “improved viewing angle” “maximize battery life” “better power efficiency” “faster response time”. As for the drawbacks, the OLED display has a shorter lifespan than the LCD display and is more susceptible to water damage.
By the way Apple already adopts OLED display with Apple Watch.

USB Type-C instead of Thunderbolt ?

USB Type-C may be adopted in the 2017 iPhone.

processor

It is reported that TSMC has secured all orders for A11 chips.
In addition to downsizing the A11 chip, it will be faster and more energy efficient.

Wireless charging

Recent forecasts are considered to be inductive wireless (similar to Apple Watch) charging solution.
In February, Apple joined the Wireless Power Consortium and is working on the open development of the Qi wireless charging standard widely adopted in devices like Samsung Galaxy. Also, Apple has applied for dozens of patents on inductive charging.

Storage

Samsung’s NAND flash memory will be installed on iPhone 8. On iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, Apple introduced a 256 GB storage option. It may be added to iPhone 8 in the same way.
In addition, iPhone 8 is expected to develop two variations, 64 GB and 256 GB.

RAM

Like iPhone 7 Plus, we anticipate 3 GB of RAM will be installed on iPhone 8.

Taptic engine

3D Touch

When Apple implements a glass body for the iPhone and introduces at least one OLED display, a new 3D Touch technology will be require.

Battery life

It is said that Apple plans to design a stacked logic board that supports longer battery life. Its improved logic board provides the same battery life as conventionally available with 4.7 inch iPhone, and 5.5 inch iPhone. With the premium iPhone 8, you can further improve battery life by using more energy efficient OLED panels.

Rear camera

By the way, in the iPhone 7 Plus, only wide-angle lenses are equipped with OIS. If Apple adopts the LG camera module, the iPhone 2017 camera will support 3D photo effects.

Front camera

The front camera of the iPhone 8 is an innovative system consisting of three modules that realize 3D detection function with PrimeSense technology. The camera includes an infrared sending module, an infrared receiving module, and a conventional camera. With the addition of infrared, the camera can find the position and depth of the object placed on the front of the technology that can be used for recognition of the face and iris and for future AR functions.

Siri

Release date

Apple has been updating the iPhone in September for the past few years, so if you go with it in the future, iPhone 8 will appear in September of 2017.
Apple’s suppliers have already begun parts production for iPhone 8.

Future iPhone ……

After 2018, Apple expects LG’s folding display. LG plans to begin mass production of foldable displays for smartphones in 2018 and is rumored to be partner with Apple. It is also rumored that we are considering partnership with Japan Display. Japan Display is developing a “flexible LCD panel” that will be ready in 2018, which will be usable in the future iPhone model. In the future Apple is said to aim to produce not only high-end models but also all iPhones with OLED displays, but all OLED lineup will take at least 2019 years.
In addition, Apple will add the iris scanning function to the iPhone. This can be used instead of Touch ID. As with fingerprints, each person’s iris is unique, so iris scanning can be used for identification purposes. Since iris scanning is also a feature rumored also in the 2017 iPhone, it is unknown when the iPhone will add this function at any time.