Yet another leaked image of an iPhone 8 dummy has appeared on Twitter. This time what seems like a total lack of Apple’s ability to keep its cards close to its chest comes via @OnLeaks. And we have a couple of images that are worth taking a close look at.
iPhone 8 dummy
A dummy is just a shell; it’s not the actual handset. Dummy devices are often used by retailers and manufacturers to show off the device to prospective customers. As for the authenticity of what is on view here, no one knows if it’s the final design, a prototype or a fake. So please take what you see with a grain of salt and wait for us to bring you definitive proof before coming to any conclusions.
Let’s take a look at what the dummy unit on show reveals.
Bezel-less design
As you probably already know, one of the biggest rumors that has been doing the rounds is of a bezel-free design. Apple is apparently chasing this dream along with Samsung and LG. However, reducing the bezel on the left, right, top and bottom has implications. Obviously, an iPhone 8 dummy doesn’t represent what Apple may have managed to create; instead, it could be a design hope. Having said that, with the sheer number of leaks all showing what looks like an iPhone 8 dummy that’s nearly bezel-free, the consensus is now that the Cupertino-based outfit has managed to do it. But as we said, that has implications.
Touch ID has to be moved
The question on the lips of many Apple fans is where Apple will move the Touch ID fingerprint sensor. The answer, of course, is that we do not know. However, if you take a look at the rear of the iPhone 8 dummy above, it’s certainly not placed there. This could indicate that Apple has solved the issues surrounding screen brightness and chip opaqueness because with this dummy unit being almost bezel-free, there’s no place for it on the front, other than embedded in the display. That is where nearly every rumor to come out over the past few months has it placed.
If this does prove to be true, it could mean Apple will release the only smartphone in 2017 with a fingerprint sensor embedded in the display, as Samsung’s Galaxy Note 8 is rumored to be experiencing the same difficulties as the S8.
The front of the iPhone 8 dummy also has a sensor cutout, which is also in line with other rumors and image leaks. It appears at the top of the handset and is expected to incorporate the front-facing camera and other sensors.
Vertically-aligned dual-lens camera
On the back, there is a vertically-aligned dual-lens camera, which we firmly believe will happen. After all, the dual-lens setup on the iPhone 7 Plus was a hit, so why would Apple scrap it now?
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 8 in September, with a launch date in either October or November. As always, there’s no way to know for certain when the launch will happen. But there’s no reason to expect a late announcement, although a late launch, however, is likely due to supplier problems.
As always, we will keep you updated.
