Just a few days ago, we saw a set of pictures showing molds that will reportedly be used to make the iPhone 8, iPhone 7S and 7S Plus. Now prominent leaker and designer Benjamin Geskin has posted a video and a couple of pictures of a “dummy” iPhone 8 model. The dummy, which is empty from the inside, gives us a good idea of what the 10th anniversary iPhone would look like.
The hands-on video of an iPhone 8 dummy
It is unclear how accurate the dummy model is. However, it appears to corroborate with recent rumors about the so-called iPhone 8 or iPhone X. The device sports a 2.5D curved glass. The 5.8-inch screen covers almost entire front panel. There is no physical home button, meaning the Touch ID fingerprint sensor is likely to be embedded under the front display.
Exclusive: #iPhone8 Dummy Hands-On Video pic.twitter.com/1Ro6umrdpT
— Ben Geskin (@BenGeskin) May 23, 2017
The glass front and back panels are supported by a stainless steel frame. The steel frame in the video appears in silver color, though Geskin has said previously that the final version of iPhone 8 would have a black frame to match the glass front and rear panels. The dummy models are often provided to accessories manufacturers in the run up to a product’s launch.
#iPhone8 Dummy pic.twitter.com/YyKJm3a7MO
— Ben Geskin (@BenGeskin) May 23, 2017
The iPhone 8 dummy sports a vertically-arranged dual camera setup on the back. The recently leaked molds suggested that the iPhone 7S Plus would stick to the horizontal dual camera system. The vertical arrangement on iPhone 8 would facilitate augmented reality applications. Analysts expect Apple to introduce a variety of AR games and features with the 10th anniversary iPhone.
The dummy resembles a mockup Benjamin Geskin had shared last month, which he claimed was a CNC model directly coming from a Foxconn facility. That mockup was 7.1mm thick, the same as iPhone 7, and had 4mm side bezels. For the latest mockup, Geskin did not provide a source or explain how it was built. The leaker claims to have reliable sources within case manufacturers as well as Apple’s supply chain in Asia.
iPhone 8 to feature wireless charging, 3D sensors
The device still has physical volume buttons on one side and power button on the other side. It means Apple is not going to remove all the physical buttons. According to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the 10th anniversary iPhone 8 as well as the iPhone 7S and 7S Plus would support inductive wireless charging. That’s why Apple will be using a glass back not only on the iPhone 8 but also on the other two devices, even though the 7S and 7S Plus will have the same design as their predecessors.
The 10th anniversary iPhone will reportedly feature a 3D sensor module on the front for augmented reality and facial recognition. LG Innotek is responsible for the supply of 3D sensors for the iPhone 8. The Korean company, which already makes dual camera modules for the iPhone 7 Plus, has set up a new facility worth $238 million to make 3D sensing modules. Apple’s custom A11 chips that will run this year’s iPhones are already under mass production.
iPhone 8 prices to start at $870
There have been numerous reports that the iPhone 8 would cost more than $1,000. However, UBS Securities analyst Steven Milunovich predicted in a research note obtained by ValueWalk that not all models of the 10th anniversary iPhone would be priced above $1000. The base model would cost $870 and the highest storage variant would set you back by $1,070, according to the analyst. Milunovich believes that the iPhone 8 would account for 45% of the new iPhone sales in the coming year. It means buyers will be flocking to the 10th-anniversary edition despite its higher price tag.
Credit Suisse analyst Kulbinder Garcha also believes that the iPhone 8 “super cycle” is going to boost the iPhone sales to record levels. Garcha said the iPhone installed base has doubled to about 700 million users since 2013. A large number of them are looking to upgrade to the iPhone 8. The large installed base will alone ensure a “multi-year unit growth.” The analyst expects the iPhone’s average selling price (ASP) to rise from $647 in 2016 to $704 in 2018.
iPhone 9 to come in 5.28-inch and 6.46-inch screen sizes
While analysts and Apple fans are looking forward to the 10th anniversary iPhone 8, the rumor mill has leaped forward to the 2018 iPhone, tentatively called iPhone 9. A new report coming out of South Korea claims the iPhone 9 will be offered in two different screen sizes: 5.28-inch and 6.46-inch. Korean publication The Investor reports that Apple has signed an agreement with Samsung Display to produce 5.28-inch and 6.46-inch OLED panels from next year.
Samsung Display will reportedly be selling 180 million OLED units to Apple for the iPhone 9. That is much higher than roughly 70 million panels the Korean company is producing for this year’s iPhone 8. If the report turns out to be true, all iPhones from next year will have OLED panels. This year’s iPhone 7S and 7S Plus are expected to keep using LCD screens.