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A series of photos claiming to show molds of Apple's upcoming 2017 iPhone range appeared online today and over the weekend, providing a potential look at the relative sizes of the rumored new devices. Apple is expected to announce three new iPhone models this year: two LCD-based "S" cycle upgrades to the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, alongside a radically redesigned tenth-anniversary "iPhone 8" with an edge-to-edge OLED display.

It's worth bearing in mind that the molds shown in the images could simply be made for use in the production of third-party iPhone cases rather than actual handsets. Either way, they do appear to line up with unconfirmed details we've been hearing over recent months, particularly with regard to the dimensions of the devices.

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The mold of the so-called "iPhone 8" is pictured between the two iterative models, which shows the redesigned handset isn't much bigger than the 4.7-inch iPhone 7S chassis on the right hand side. Despite the similarity, reports suggest the redesigned phone could pack a 5.8-inch display that's closer in size to the screen on the 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus. A lack of bezels at the top and bottom of the device are said to enable the larger OLED area.

iphone-molds-2-800x890.jpg

The side-on view offers another take on the relative dimensions, and also reveals a longer power button on the OLED iPhone in the middle. The appearance of the longer button in previous dummy images has led to speculation that it could act as a fingerprint recognition surface if Apple can't integrate Touch ID into the OLED display. Rumors say Apple has struggled to overcome the challenges involved in such a feat, but details are still sketchy.

Some sources suggest the company could resort to placing the sensor on the back of the handset, like on the Samsung Galaxy S8, but most agree this would be an inferior implementation compared to Touch ID's current front-facing location on the home button.

iPhone-8-mold-800x800.jpg

Cutouts for the rear camera in the middle mold line up with previous rumors that Apple will go with a vertical dual-lens orientation in the "iPhone 8", in contrast to the horizontal layout on the iPhone 7 Plus, which is expected to remain on the 7S Plus.

The OLED iPhone is expected to be unveiled at a September event alongside the "S" cycle phones, and could feature new 3D-sensing technology in the front-facing camera, as well as a faster A11 chip, face and iris recognition, better waterproofing, some form of wireless charging, and a glass body.

Article Link: Alleged Molds Purport to Show Relative Sizes of Apple's 2017 iPhones
 
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This is likely for cases.
It's also interesting to note that the power button has two points of contact, it's not just elongated. The secondary function could be in software, it could be something to do with the OLED display, or it could even be where the home button is actually relocated to.
 
Here's some moulds of the iPhone 7S, 7S Plus and iPhone 8, so let's tell you all the information about the iPhone 8 that you already know and not mention the 7S models again... offering you information you don't know :rolleyes:

Still makes me suspicious their will be any S models this year. And that iPhone 8 looks thicker and wider and longer. So it is going to feel bigger and heavier in the hand, hmm one to try before you buy.
 
How can such a thin power button read fingerprints?

Also, if the fingerprint scanner does end up on the back, is it such a huge issue when the phone may also have facial recognition on the front?

I would prefer it in the screen of course, but if there's an alternative way to unlock the phone, sans contact, then what's the problem?

You'd think the iPhone 7+ would take a sales hit with the 8 along side it?
 
Hmmm. Can't see myself going smaller after a 6s+ even though the potential of what the 8 will bring is attractive. Tough call. I got a big iphone for a reason.
 
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The 8 will need to be all screen in order to justify that size over the iPhone 7S+, I’ve grown very very used to the large screen.
Doesn't this article say the screen would be larger than the 7+, in a smaller footprint?

I'd prefer to see TouchID in the screen and it to have wireless at a distance charging for the price point being thrown around, but I'll still likely upgrade to it this year if the screen is that big with only a slight increase in size over the 7.
 
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"Molds" for "7s" and "7s+" looks genuine, since probably are the one they are using for the current gen iPhones.
The "8" one is made in a completely different way, how come in the 7 and 7+ the holes are carved IN and for the 8 the holes (button included) are protuding?

*using holes referring to the iPhone, sorry English is not my first language
 
If this is legit the on off button seems bigger, might incorporate the "famous" finger print reader....
 
How else is a phone supposed to look? Circular? Triangle?
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How do you put Touch ID in tiny space like that?
Sony has already done it on their phones
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How else is a phone supposed to look? Circular? Triangle?
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How do you put Touch ID in tiny space like that?
How about a phone with foldable displays?
 
The molds are consistent with previous rumours about the dual camera being vertical, the power button being longer and a screen size between 7 and 7 plus.
So either those are legit, or the rumours were wrong from the start and the mods were made based on those.
 
Yeah, I particularly like the dimensions of the next 2017 iPhone, especially if the OLED screen benefits from an edge to edge Bezeless form factor. I think it will be just that bit easier to handle, less dropable and less obvious in its size to others who might see you on your phone, (especially those who may not have good intentions).

I'm growing to accept the vertical rear cameras design as it's suggested this is necessary for AR & VR. But, I'm not at all keen on the casing for the rear cameras in some concepts suggesting it will be without the attractive contours found in the casing on the 7 plus. Similarly, there has been suggestions in some recent concepts that there will be a stainless steel sides (look) to the phone and similar finish around the casing of the cameras. Whilst that may look nice around the sides of the phone, in my opinion it looks ugly as a complimentary accent around the rear facing cameras casing, especially if they are not contoured.

Looking forward to getting more reliable information on the details of the design as it is leaked.
 
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