Apple is rumored to release three new iPhones in 2017: two iterative upgrades to the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, and a new iPhone 8. The third variant will have a new design and many exotic technologies as Apple gears up to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its iconic product. However, Cowen & Company analyst Timothy Arcuri believes that the redesigned smartphone will be called ‘iPhone X’ instead of iPhone 8.
10th anniversary iPhone to have 5.8-inch display
Arcuri said in a research note to investors (via Business Insider) that the 10th anniversary iPhone would sport a 5.8-inch OLED “fixed flex” display. While the iPhone X will have OLED wraparound screen, the iPhone 7S and 7S Plus are said to stick to LCD panels. Arcuri says Apple may still choose OLED for the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch models depending on Samsung’s ability to supply OLED screens in large quantities, as well as the consumption of Apple’s LCD inventory.
Samsung Display is said to be the sole supplier of OLED screens for the upcoming iPhone. However, the Korean giant may not be able to meet Apple’s massive demand. That’s why the Cupertino company would keep OLED screens exclusive to the 5.8-inch iPhone X or iPhone 8. Since it will have an all-screen face, the key components such as the FaceTime camera, fingerprint scanner, home functionality, and earpiece are rumored to be embedded in the display itself.
iPhone X to have facial, gesture recognition feature
Cowen & Company predicted that Apple could switch to Synaptic’s latest optical fingerprint sensor that sits underneath the display. Timothy Arcuri said it was “currently the only workable solution” for detecting fingerprints through the display. However, as Apple Insider points out, Synaptics’ technology is yet to be sampled to smartphone vendors.
The analyst also predicts that Apple will add some form of facial and gesture recognition system to its iPhone X or iPhone 8, whatever Apple names the device. Citing supply chain sources, Arcuri says the facial recognition will be supported by a laser sensor and an infrared sensor placed near the front camera. The analyst confirmed that the upcoming flagship iPhone would feature wireless charging.
iPhone X to drive massive upgrades
Timothy Arcuri said the iPhone X launch would trigger an upgrade ‘supercycle.’ Earlier this week, Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty told investors that anticipation for the revolutionary new iPhone will mute the demand for the current iPhone 7 in coming quarters. Huberty believes that the iPhone 8 supercycle would drive the iPhone sales to a record 253 million units in the fiscal year 2018.
Recent rumors suggest that the iPhone 8/iPhone X will have IP68 waterproof rating. It means the new iPhone could be submerged in up to five feet of water for 30 minutes. The device will have a glass sandwich design. The front and rear glass panels would be supported by a stainless steel frame in the middle.
