iPhone 8 release date, specs rumors: new patent reveals Apple's new impressive touch sensors and virtual buttons

Speculations about the possible features of iPhone 8 continue to come out as the expected release date of the next-generation Apple smartphone draws nearer.

Forbes recently spotted a patent report from Patently Apple claiming that the Cupertino-based tech giant came up with a design with switching virtual buttons as well as touch sensors that can be used for wraparound and foldable devices.

According to the patent report, the US Patent & Trademark Office published Apple's patent application that was dubbed "Electronic Devices with Display and Touch Sensor Structures" on Thursday, Dec. 8.

Based on the patent filing, the tech firm's new touch sensors will be placed within the smartphone device's exteriors so that each side of the device will be equipped with different types of touch sensors. The filing also mentioned that the current physical buttons could be swapped with virtual controls to make the device look sleeker and neater compared with the current models.

In addition, Stuff reported that the next version of iPhone will have an all-glass feature. While the report claimed that the upcoming device could still have a metal frame that will be seen in the middle of the device, its front and back design might possibly be made from glass.

The report also mentioned that the next iPhone model could possibly feature a curved active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display. While this feature may not be unique to Apple since its South Korean rival Samsung already came out with it in its current flagship smartphone lines, it could still be adapted by the Cupertino-based firm in order to counteract the additional weight brought by an all-glass body.

Meanwhile, speculations also claimed that Apple will stick with its tradition of unveiling its next iPhone product in September. Since the iPhone will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Sept. 2017, consumers could expect to see more special features on the device upon its release.

Apple has yet to comment on the validity of the said speculations.