Bloomberg Backs Latest 'iPhone 8' Prototype Having Stainless Steel and Glass Design With Vertical Camera

[MacRumors]

Bloomberg today has published a detailed report about what it expects from the tentatively named iPhone 8.

"iPhone Edition" render by Japanese blog Mac Otakara​

The report, citing people familiar with the matter, claims Apple's latest prototype features a stainless steel frame sandwiched between symmetrical glass on the front and the back. That design, one of several that Apple has tested, would be similar conceptually to the iPhone 4 launched in 2010.

The overhauled iPhone will also adopt an OLED display that covers almost the entire front of the device, according to the report. The display itself will be flat, while the cover glass curves into the stainless steel frame along the edges. The cover glass will have similar 2.5D curvature as the iPhone 7.

The report backs rumors of Apple testing at least one high-end iPhone prototype with a rear dual-lens camera positioned vertically, instead of horizontally like on iPhone 7 Plus. Apple is also said to be testing dual lenses for a revamped front camera, compared to a single lens on current iPhones.

Apple has experimented with integrating the iPhone's fingerprint scanner into the screen, as previously known. The report said it's a technical challenge, so it's unclear if the feature will make it into the final product. Earlier research said Apple is facing yield issues with the under-display solution.

Apple also tested a prototype with a glass back that had more dramatic curves on the top and bottom like the original iPhone from 2007, perhaps alluding to a previous water drop design rumor, but the report says Apple is more likely to ship the version with more subdued curves due to mass production considerations.

Bloomberg believes that supply constraints could mean the high-end iPhone isn't readily available until one or two months after Apple's typical September event, where it is also expected to announce updated 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone models. All three new iPhones will run iOS 11 and could have faster Apple A11 chips.

Today's report corroborates several "iPhone 8" design rumors that have surfaced in recent months, while the existence of multiple prototypes explains why some rumors have been conflicting so far.

Article Link: Bloomberg Backs Latest 'iPhone 8' Prototype Having Stainless Steel and Glass Design With Vertical Camera

 

[Sunny1990]

No protruding camera please, otherwise the render looks beautiful

 

[Precursor]

I back that too

 

[Red Oak]

Wasn't this already reported last week? Bloomberg is slow and re-purposing other news

 

[TimUSCA]

No protruding camera please

I still don't know why this bothers people so much. I'd rather have the protruding camera than have the entire phone that thick just to hide it. It isn't optimal, but I've never seen it as something to be upset about.

 

[amirite]

I still don't know why this bothers people so much. I'd rather have the protruding camera than have the entire phone that thick just to hide it. It isn't optimal, but I've never seen it as something to be upset about.

Should be more upset about having touch id on the back.

 

[bijanc]

I still don't know why this bothers people so much. I'd rather have the protruding camera than have the entire phone that thick just to hide it. It isn't optimal, but I've never seen it as something to be upset about.

This. All I care about is a super good camera. I don't care if it protrudes or not.

 

[MrGimper]

I love it when someone released some BS about the new iDevice and someone else "backs" it, only to look a total tool when the product is released.

 

[garirry]

I don't really like stainless steel to be honest. It looks better than aluminium, but the latter is better because it doesn't scratch so damn easily and isn't a fingerprint magnet. I think having an aluminium frame like in all the previous models would just look better.

 

[Cloudkicker]

How does the glass back & stainless silver (sliverwear material) rim work when most overwhelmingy use a case that would hide it? A clear silicone case wouldn't help much.

 

[barkomatic]

If Apple has to go with Touch ID on the back, the rest of the design had better be amazing.

 

[DUIduckSAUCE]

Should be more upset about having touch id on the back.

They have to put it somewhere. If embedded in the display is not currently feasible, where will they put it?

 

[amirite]

They have to put it somewhere. If embedded in the display is not currently feasible, where will they put it?

If they can't get it under the screen as planned, then on the back. And we will be upset that they failed to put it under the screen as planned.

 

[JeffPerrin]

I really want the option to shoot horizontal video while holding the phone vertically.

Or at least, center the lens to reduce the chance of fingers getting in the shot while shooting horizontal video!

 

[Tycho24]

FTA:

"Apple is also aiming to reduce the overall size of the handset by integrating the home button into the screen itself via software in a similar manner to Samsung's S8, the people said."

Was hard to take seriously after that...

 

[decimortis]

This is the first time I've had a gut feeling that there's going to be some flaw in the design that crops up a month after release and causes some sort of mass recall. Not an exploding battery, but something detrimental to the iPhone's proper operation on a global scale. I don't know why, but I just can't shake the feeling. I'll be waiting on the S variant of this one.

 

[iapplelove]

Well I just dropped and cracked my beloved launch day iPhone 6 Plus. So now I need one of these fancy new iPhones in my life.

 

[mejsric]

With many predictions, im sure some hits. Throw more.

 

[x-evil-x]

This is the first time I've had a gut feeling that there's going to be some flaw in the design that crops up a month after release and causes some sort of mass recall. Not an exploding battery, but something detrimental to the iPhone's proper operation on a global scale. I don't know why, but I just can't shake the feeling. I'll be waiting on the S variant of this one.

you don't need a new phone anyway you already have the 7+
the new phone will be fine.

 

[dantracht]

I'll get the 7S Plus and wait a year on this one.

 

[nviz22]

If Apple designed an iPhone 8 similar to the S7 Edge or Note 7, that would be the best possible aesthetic outcome imo.

 

[Jsameds]

I still don't know why this bothers people so much. I'd rather have the protruding camera than have the entire phone that thick just to hide it. It isn't optimal, but I've never seen it as something to be upset about.

It's because the internet is an echo chamber. In the real world no one is really bothered by it. I doubt most iPhone users have even considered it.

 

[mattopotamus]

I don't really like stainless steel to be honest. It looks better than aluminium, but the latter is better because it doesn't scratch so damn easily and isn't a fingerprint magnet. I think having an aluminium frame like in all the previous models would just look better.

and there is a noticeable weight difference.

 

[TMRJIJ]

Glass attracts fingerprints. Stainless steel on phones do get stains (or worst scratches) if you aren't careful. Not liking these design choices so far.
These rumors suck :spits

 

[djlythium]

IT WAS NEVER A DANG TEAR DROP!

Can we all, please, agree to stop being so wildly inaccurate?!