You might have to pay more than $1,000 for the Apple iPhone 8

The 10th anniversary model of the Apple iPhone, which could be named the Apple iPhone 8 or iPhone X, promises to be special according to a source with knowledge of Apple's game plan. Unlike the Apple iPhone 7s and Apple iPhone 7s Plus, the premium handset is going to be equipped with an OLED screen that will cover the entire front of the phone, according to this source. Touch ID could be embedded under the display, although it seems that this technology still needs some work. Apple is believed to be spending big bucks on the 5.8-inch screen for the model, twice as much as it currently spends for the LCD panels in use now. With more memory expected inside, that is another bill that Apple will have to pay.

But Apple will reportedly save money by using forged stainless steel for the sides of the iPhone 8. That is a cheaper material than the aluminum used on the Apple iPhone 7 and Apple iPhone 7 Plus. The sides might replace the usual buttons with touch sensitive inlays. Dual camera setups should be seen on both the iPhone 8/X and the Apple iPhone 7s Plus, and a massive battery should be inside the anniversary phone. The aforementioned OLED panels will be seen only on the anniversary model this year, although all iPhone handsets are expected to feature the new display in 2018 and after.

A quick rule of thumb with iPhone rumors is to toss them into a hat, shake them up and down exactly 22 times, and then listen only to super analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities. His record of outing the new features to be found on each year's upcoming iPhone models has been truly amazing. For 2017, Mr. Ming has been calling for a 4.7-inch iPhone 7s, 5.5-inch iPhone 7s Plus and a 5.8-inch OLED carrying iPhone 8. He also says that Apple will replace the fingerprint scanner on the iPhone 8/X with a face recognition system that will verify the user's identity.

Currently, the 256GB Apple iPhone 7 Plus in Jet Black is the most expensive iPhone at $969. According to the source we mentioned at the beginning of the story, later this year we could see the $1,000 barrier cracked by the very special anniversary edition of the iPhone. Better start looking for change now.

source: FastCompany via Engadget