Those waiting for the upcoming release of the completely redesigned iPhone this year, we would suggest you start saving some money right away. Apple is expected to debut a premium high-end variant of the iPhone alongside the usual lineup upgrades this year. But, fresh reports from Fast Company suggest that the said device is likely to retail with a price tag upwards of $1,000.
The publication suggests that Apple will most probably roll out three devices this year. While the first two are expected incremental updates to the 4.7-inch iPhone 7 and 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus whereas the last one would be a new 5.8-inch device with an OLED display. This device, which might be called iPhone X or iPhone 8, is expected to pack completely new hardware and software features as well.
The company is looking to surprise users with the release of this special feature-packed tenth anniversary iPhone. And Apple is stepping up its efforts to build this smartphone from scratch, integrating components and features never used by them before. Swapping the traditional LED display with the more expensive OLED displays, increasing memory and processing capabilities coupled with features such as wireless charging is expected to drive up the cost of production.
Further, this report also corroborates the claims made by prominent KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The upcoming flagship iPhone is expected to include a 5.8-inch display embedded into a body made of “forged stainless steel” and glass on the back. The rumors of Cupertino planning to entirely get rid of physical buttons might also come true with this iteration. iPhone 8 will replace the current Home button with new under-screen sensors and also replace the side buttons for touch-sensitive controls integrated into the metal frame.
Due to the same, citing sources from Apple’s supply chain, the report suggests that the company is tying up with most of the OLED partners to maintain their manufacturing capacity. The new screens are expected to cost twice more than it pays for the LED display. And currently, Samsung’s OLED screens are the only ones which meet Cupertino’s quality standards, thus, it is hogging up on as much of them as possible. But, the most interesting feature development mentioned in the report is as under:
Apple has been working with Lumentum (formed when JDS Uniphase split in 2014) on 3D-sensing technology for the new high-end phone. It remains unclear how the technology will be applied, however.
It could be used to recognize the user’s face for authentication. It could also be used in the camera to provide better image resolution. It could even be used in some form of augmented reality application.
Thus, the aforementioned facts (though not confirmed yet) are expected to drive the price for the upcoming iPhone 8 beyond $1,000. This, however, doesn’t come as much of a shocker as the top-end iPhone 7 Plus (unlocked) already retails with a whopping price tag of $969. And the iPhone 7 lineup starts as low as $650, for the 32 GB unlocked version of the 4.7-inch device. But, you’ll be able to get your hands on the same for much cheaper – through telecom carrier tie-ups or if you’ve signed up for the yearly replacement programme.
