iPhone 8 release date, specs rumors: Apple's upcoming flagship to be renamed iPhone X?

Georgia Gana Saturday, January 21, 2017

A promotional image for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The next-generation flagship device, now rumored to be called the iPhone X, is expected to arrive in September. | Apple

A lot of consumers are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the iPhone 8, as evidenced by the number of rumors and speculations arriving each week. One particular rumor that has caught the attention of tech enthusiasts is the possibility that Apple may be giving its upcoming flagship smartphone a new name. According to reports, it's possible that the iPhone 8 will instead be called the iPhone X.

Earlier this week, Apple Insider was able to obtain a research note that Cowen and Company analyst Timothy Arcuri sent to investors. Arcuri claimed that three iPhone models will be arriving this year and will be headlined by a device he referred to as the "iPhone X" or "iPhone 10."

Previous reports have already mentioned that Apple might introduce the 4.7-inch iPhone 7s and the 5.5-inch iPhone 7s Plus alongside its new flagship device.

With Apple not keen on delivering updates for products in development, it's likely that the iPhone X name change will remain unconfirmed. However, the rumor does sound plausible given that the upcoming flagship smartphone will be the 10th anniversary model of the Cupertino-based tech giant. Furthermore, a different name for the iPhone 8 isn't that far-fetched considering reports that the forthcoming device will undergo a radical redesign.

In his research note, Arcuri, citing sources in Apple's supply chain, also revealed that the iPhone 8/iPhone X will have a 5.8-inch organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display with a "wraparound" design. The Touch ID fingerprint sensor will supposedly be integrated "under the glass and in the active display area."

Furthermore, the analyst also wrote (via Business Insider), "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."

As per usual, no confirmation from Apple is expected to arrive. However, it is important to note that the tech giant did acquire Primesense, an infrared sensor company, in 2013, and CEO Tim Cook has expressed interest in the potential of augmented reality technology.

The iPhone 8/iPhone X is slated to be unveiled in September.