iPhone 8 — the countdown begins
We are merely three days out from the launch of the most-anticipated iPhone device until date. My excitement is unfathomable (you’re in a similar position as me, I suppose).
A radical new design, more screen space, no home button (quite a debatable change) and a vertical dual-lens setup is what we’re expecting. The name of the device is being heavily debated, ranging from iPhone 8 to iPhone X (high possibility).
The countdown for the iPhone 8, as it is being referred to due to the lack of an official name, has begun. We take a quick peek at the expected features before we finally get to see the device next week.
The Display!
Giving into the hype for bezel-less displays, Apple has decided to go all in with the same. iPhone 8 will feature a large 5.8-inch edge-to-edge screen, packed in a glass-covered body (more on this underneath!). It will lie in the middle of the existing iPhone 7 lineup, in terms of size.
This will also be the first time Apple is switching from simple LED to brighter OLED displays. It is also said to be integrating its True-tone technology in the display for better readability on basis of surrounding light conditions.
Home Button
Ever since the release of the revolutionary Gen-I iPhone, the home button has received a prominent placing on the bottom front. However, just like the 3.5 mm headphone jack, it is also being nixed from the iPhone with this iteration.
While earlier reports suggested Cupertino might be looking to provide us with a virtual on-screen button but that’s been proven untrue with recent leaks. It’s now being said that all major functions will be invoked with new gestures.
But, we as users relied on this central button for various activities and not only reaching back to the home screen. It also enabled us to toggle to task manager and invoke Siri.
I’m eager to witness how we’ll call upon Siri’s services on the iPhone 8.
As for Touch ID, which was previously integrated into the home button, there is presently no concrete information if it will make an appearance or not. But, if it does then it’s expected to be trimmed and fitted into the elongated power button on the right of the new device.
Hardware+Software
As we already know, Apple release a set of devices one year and upgrades the same with fresh processors and improved storage options the next year. More hardware upgrades (mostly the cameras have been discussed underneath).
It will adhere to the practice this time around as well and power all upcoming devices with the new and powerful A11 chip. iPhone 7s, iPhone 7s Plus, and the much-awaited iPhone X will run the final iteration of iOS 11. It was first introduced to the masses at WWDC’17 earlier this year.
Two super important additions to the software with iOS 11 will be ARKit and HomeKit.
The former will enable users to develop, as well as use augmented reality apps on the iPhone while the latter will enable developers to build apps compatible with Apple’s smart “HomePod” speaker to the device.
The Cameras
Ever since the very start, the rumor mill has suggested that the cameras (both front and rear) will be the highlight of the iPhone 8.
In three days, Apple will announce on stage that the camera’s on the iPhone 8 will go beyond just clicking excellent pictures. It will now be able to recognize and recreate your face in 3D space.
- The front camera of the new flagship iPhone (this is the first time I had to write this) has been upgraded to enable a much-talked about feature that will bump the standards of biometric security.
- Called Face ID, it replaces Touch ID and will employ a 3D model of your face to unlock the flagship device. It will even work in the dark, thanks to the integration of an infrared sensor.
Before talking about the rear camera, let me preface this by saying that Apple CEO Tim Cook has been immensely skeptical of the rise of virtual reality and banked his trust on Augmented Reality. This vision of his is coming to the real world with the new iPhone lineup (running iOS 11).
- As for the rear camera module, Apple will be including a vertical dual-lens setup on the iPhone 8. It is being rumored that the said camera setup will come in handy for enhanced AR experiences.
While one of the camera lenses will perform its usual task, the second one (in conjunction with lasers) is going to focus on improved depth perception. This will enable to improve the placement of virtual objects in the real space.
This will kick-start the era of mobile-based AR experiences, another first for Apple.
Also, a new report reveals that the iPhone 8's camera setup will also support recognition of multiple facial expressions. This will factor in the creation and alteration of animoji — 3D animated emoticons, shown underneath.
Other major pointers
Apple is further expected to finally debut a much-requested feature with the iPhone 8. It’s called wireless charging.
Hence, the aluminium back panels have been switched out. The rear will now be covered in glass. The device will also be dust and water resistant, thanks to the bump in rating to IP68.
The iPhone 8 will appear more chunky (less curvaceous) than before. It will be made available in three color variants — black, silver and a new copper gold.
The base model of the iPhone 8 is expected to start at $999 for 64 GB internal storage, with additional 100 bucks for increased storage — 256 GB or 512 GB.
With such changes in tow, it will potentially be a memorable launch event for Apple — matching the enigma of the first one.
We are still to see the iPhone 8 but I’m certain it will be worth all the hype. It may include a handful of gimmicky features but even the iris scanner had the similar reception when it first appeared on the Galaxy Note 7.
People tend to be judgemental of the introduction of new technologies but it will be staple for all in the coming years.
All our questions will only be answered on September 12, when the Cupertino giant reveals the new iPhone at the Steve Jobs Theater on the brand spanking new “Apple Park” campus.
The iPhone 8 will most likely set another benchmark in the industry. I’m sure Apple fanboys (read as enthusiasts) have already saving their bucks and will line-up outside stores to pick this limited edition iPhone.
But not to sugarcoat the release of iPhone Edition, I’m still apprehensive of the huge $999 rumored price tag for the base model. It’s true that Apple is adding a bunch of never-seen technologies but does that demand such a surge?
I’d like to pass this question over to you — the readers. You’re now aware of the rumored specs and features of the iPhone 8, is the huge price tag justified?
Share your opinion with the community in the comments underneath. Please show your appreciation (👏) if you like what you just read. We will talk more about the iPhone 8 on the launch day.
