14 DAY TRIAL // We’ve known for a while that the iPhone 8 is projected to launch this fall, but several sources close to the matter indicated the device is very likely to experience a major delay due to supply issues.
A recent report, however, indicated that Apple’s partners started production of the iPhone 8 and the device would arrive as projected, though here comes Japanese site Macotakara who claims that we shouldn’t get our hopes too high because the device will very likely land in late 2017.
In other words, this is a confirmation that our previous reports were true and that Apple indeed plans to show the iPhone 8 at its September event, but only start sales later this year, probably in October or November.
Today’s report, however, also claims that the initial sales will be very limited, which means that Apple is indeed experiencing supply issues and only a few units would actually hit the market. More iPhone 8 units should become available in early 2018, analysts have previously hinted, as Apple is working with its suppliers on addressing all production struggles.
No white iPhone despite being tested
Macotakara also reveals some new information about the iPhone 8, explaining that the device won’t be available in a white version, despite Apple actually considering such a flavor.
It turns out that after several tests and prototypes, apple decided that building an iPhone 8 “is not possible,” which is uncanny to say the least given that Apple has already launched a white Apple Watch. The difference in terms of materials could be the bigger struggle, however, as the white Apple Watch is made of ceramic, while the iPhone 8 is said to be built from glass.
There will only be “a few” colors available, the report says, and there’s no confirmation that a mirror-like version similar to the Sony Xperia XZ Premium would be rolled out.
The iPhone 8 will definitely come with face recognition, the source continues, and Touch ID won’t be integrated into the power button, as some recent reports have suggested. There will be a new unlocking system for the iPhone, possibly related to Raise to Wake, and it might be linked with the Apple Watch similar to how Android devices can be unlocked automatically with smartwatches.
As with every other report on the iPhone 8, it’s important to take this with a pinch of salt because new rumors come and go every day, without us knowing exactly what’s true and what’s not.