'iPhone 8' rumors: Patent allows edge-to-edge iPhone display; early 2017 release possible?

The iPhone 7 was launched just a few weeks ago and people are still adapting to the major overhauls of Apple to the phone, especially the loss of the 3.5mm headphone jack. But as fast as trends come and go, the iPhone 7 seems to be already being outshone by the coming of the alleged iPhone 8. Rumor mills are churning more and more speculations everyday as to what the Cupertino-based company's plans for their next flagship smartphone.

Apple has been awarded a patent that allows them to embed light sensors within the layers of the display. This raised speculations that the company is planning to remove the bezels from its next iPhone. The 2017 iPhone could indeed look like those edge-to-edge concept designs

Other rumors are concerned with the design of the 2017 iPhone. According to 9to5mac, reliable analyst MIng Chi Kuo forecasted that the iPhone 8 will likely adopt the idea of a glass front and back design similar to the iPhone 4 and 4s. This suggestion buds from his observation that the new and scratch-prone Jet Black iPhone 7 has proved higly popular with customers due to the appeal of its glossy finish. The glass design would serve the buying public's interest in glossy design while making the phone much more scratch resistant.

There are also those believing that Apple will finally adopt the OLED technology and flexible displays so the iPhone 2017 might actually come with a curved display. Also, rumors are also saying that the tech company is planning to ditch the home button and just integrate it into the screen itself.

The official name for the 2017 iPhone has yet to be released. Some are saying that it could be the iPhone 7s, as per tradition, but some are saying that it is too big of an upgrade and deserves to be titled iPhone 8.  Furthermore, according to Business Insider, an Israeli Apple employee who solders components has referred to the phone as the iPhone 8, unprompted in their conversation.

If tradition will continue, the iPhone 8 is expected to be released in September next year. It's also important to bear in mind that 2017 marks the 10th anniversary of the iPhone. Apple might have something in store for the iPhone fans, maybe an earlier release.