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Serial mobile phone leaker Evan Blass posted an image on Twitter this morning offering his followers a glimpse of what Apple's finalized "iPhone 8" design will look like when wrapped in a protective case.

The image shows a render of the 5.8-inch iPhone with the now-familiar edge-to-edge display sans physical Home button and a notch along the top of the device housing the camera, infrared sensor, and speaker components. The handset is enclosed in what looks like a rugged Urban Armor Gear case sporting cutouts for volume controls and a mute switch in the regular places.

iphone_8_uag_case.jpg
iPhone 8 (encased) pic.twitter.com/9LpARCAML2 - Evan Blass (@evleaks) August 8, 2017

This isn't the first time we've seen a third-party case for the upcoming OLED iPhone, with several accessory makers producing case molds based on allegedly official leaked CAD designs and details from "factory sources". In fact, what's arguably more noteworthy about this particular image is that it came from the well-regarded Blass, a typically reliable leaker of official mobile assets.

Since the picture was shared, however, fellow leaker Benjamin Geskin has taken to Twitter to claim that the UAG case image uses assets lifted from renders he released back in June based on his own sources. Geskin also provided comparison shots to bolster his argument, and they do bear a striking resemblance.

Wherever the image came from, what we can be fairly sure of is that the handset shown closely resembles Apple's finalized design, which was apparently unintentionally confirmed by the company itself when it shared early HomePod firmware to public servers last week.

Developers quickly unearthed assets in the smart speaker firmware that are clearly associated with the as-yet-unreleased OLED iPhone, including a reference drawing that mirrors the rumored edge-to-edge display and top camera notch as shown above.

Apple is expected to launch the so-called "iPhone 8" next month as a "premium" alternative to its regular iterative iPhone updates - in this case an expected "iPhone 7S" and "7S Plus", which are thought to retain standard LCD displays. Rumors suggest the OLED iPhone will be available to order as early as October but may be in short supply as the holiday season draws close.

As well as the OLED screen, the higher tier model is expected to include additional features such as wireless charging, a facial authentication system (possibly called Pearl ID) to replace Touch ID, a front-facing dual-lens camera with 3D sensing capabilities, and longer battery life.

Article Link: Noted Mobile Leaker Shares Image of 'iPhone 8' in Protective Case
 
Still think I prefer the software bezel/black status bar on the left and right of cutout instead of clipping the picture. Unfortunately for me, Ive’s design philosophy means it will look like the pic above...
 
I picked up an iPhone 5C the other day and they feel sooo nice in the hand. I just wish they'd make one that size, but with the narrow bezels of the new iPhone. Would have basically the same screen size as an iPhone 6, but in a much nicer to hold shell.
I agree 100%. IMO, the 3G/3GS and the 5C have been the most pleasant models to hold in the hand. I’m personally a big fan of the curvy plastic feel.
 
The top cutouts is so ugly. I really hope its not gonna look like that as that will bother me and its a no go for me.

I don't think I'll be able to afford it anyway so I'll stick to normal 7S iPhone anyway. Or I'll just hold onto my iPhone 6 little longer and will update next year.
 
I picked up an iPhone 5C the other day and they feel sooo nice in the hand. I just wish they'd make one that size, but with the narrow bezels of the new iPhone. Would have basically the same screen size as an iPhone 6, but in a much nicer to hold shell.

I was holding an iPhone 4S today and I can definitely agree to that, it's so nice to have a phone that just fits in your hand. If they could give me a 4.7" screen in that phone i'd be sold.
 
I’m already caseless on my 7+ and don’t regret it - looks better than with any case.

Agreed. People sometimes argue "Look how nice my iPhone still is, after a year of use, thanks to the case." I feel like it doesn't matter - they never enjoy it because it's always hidden in a case.

Replacing my battered 6S Plus in 2018 will feel even nicer because I'll be getting a box-fresh, mint condition iPhone.
 
Instead of an expensive case, I will purchase insurance.
I doubt insurance will cover "cosmetic" damages.

I’m already caseless on my 7+ and don’t regret it - looks better than with any case.
I tried that on my 3GS for a year. Despite being careful, it looked pretty beat up at the end of the test. Was especially notable when I finally shattered my front screen and got a (paid) replacement device from Apple. Unlike the patina that develops on true leather, I don't like such a dystopic used look on my phone.
 
I can't say this is in the least bit exciting.
Where's something different rather than just copying existing designs/ideas.

Clearly still all to be confirmed, but for the first time ever - I'm planning on giving this a miss.
 
Agreed. People sometimes argue "Look how nice my iPhone still is, after a year of use, thanks to the case." I feel like it doesn't matter - they never enjoy it because it's always hidden in a case.

Replacing my battered 6S Plus in 2018 will feel even nicer because I'll be getting a box-fresh, mint condition iPhone.

I used to have a case on my 6S for a while, took it off one day and admired how thin and nice in the hand the phone actually was. Haven't used a case on it since. I feel the same about screen protectors, never have used one of those. I'd always feel like it would detract from the screen quality if I put one on. I think one of the reasons people do this is for resale value. That and not wanting to risk the possibility of dropping and smashing their expensive phone which I can understand. But on the flip side, babying it like that feels like you can't truly enjoy it and appreciate the design which you payed so much for.
 
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