Apple iPhone 8: Rumour roundup for the week

Apple’s iPhone is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, and rumours about the next model suggest it could be in for some major redesigns.

Recently, a research note distributed to its clients by Cowen and Company has further fuelled the rumour again.

The note includes several new details about the Apple’s upcoming iPhone, which is expected to launch in September. According to the report, Apple will be releasing three models of iPhone 8 including one 5.8-inch iPhone along 4.7- and 5.5-inch models.

Among other features, the biggest feature reportedly coming to next version of iPhone is that Apple might be integrating some form of facial/gesture recognition and wireless charging.

Cowen and Company Analyst Timothy Arcuri claimed in his report: “Other features appear to include some form of facial/gesture recognition supported by a new laser sensor and an infrared sensor mounted near the front-facing camera and, as expected, should also finally include wireless charging.”

Although this rumour was not corroborated by other analysts, it does make sense given the fact that Apple bought Primesense, an infrared sensor company, in 2013.

Earlier, Apple CEO Tim Cook hinted about his company’s interest in integrating augmented reality technologies. Considering that a new kind of sensor would be critical for Apple to add augmented reality features to upcoming versions of the iPhone.

Citing ‘field work’ from Apple’s supply chain, the report claims that the 5.8-inch iPhone will have an edge-to-edge OLED display, which uses less power and produces deeper blacks. The 5.8-inch model will also potentially have a dual-edge “wraparound” screen, similar to that of ill-fated Samsung Note 7.

It will also integrate the Touch ID fingerprint sensor “under the glass and in the active display area”.