iPhone 8 latest rumors: Curved OLED, USB-C to replace Lightning

[Julio Franco]

The iPhone turns 10 this year, and it's been widely speculated even before the release of the iPhone 7 that the tenth anniversary iPhone would be something special. That's why the iPhone 7 was only an evolutionary step for the series, and the third consecutive model on the same design as the two-year-old iPhone 6.

Come October, it's rumored Apple will show three new iPhones. One will be the top end model sporting a 5.8-inch OLED screen and a price tag closer to $1,000, while the other two will be updates to the current line. Some are calling that supercharged OLED handset the "iPhone X." No one really knows, but make no mistake, the iPhone is by far the company's most important product.

Samsung users and Android fans in general like to call it a bit differently. Apple will be playing catch up (not the first time) to many features already available in last year's flagship Galaxy phones. The iPhone just received the waterproofing treatment on its last iteration, the Galaxy got that back in 2014, and Sony phones have had it for even longer.

Nothing more than a fan render, of course

Business Insider has gone as far as saying Apple is turning the iPhone into a Samsung Galaxy phone. We've heard most of the information below, but you can call this double confirmation from two credible sources. The latest rumors stem from a new WSJ report:

Curved OLED The iPhone 8 is expected to be the first to feature an OLED panel, and a curved one at that. It's believed that the higher-end panel will be reserved exclusively for the premium "iPhone X." Samsung is supplying the panels to Apple.

No Home Button The edge-to-edge design in the iPhone 8 will see the Home button and Touch ID sensor replaced with a “function area” made up of virtual buttons. The Galaxy S8 coming out in April is expected to do the same.

Wireless Charging Several phones have offered wireless charging at one point. The Nokia Lumia family, the older Nexus phones before Google dropped it, and the most mainstream of all, the Galaxy series have had it for 2+ generations now. The iPhone 8 is said to use a new all-glass casing compatible with wireless charging. Not coincidentally Apple joined the Wireless Power Consortium recently.

USB-C Ditching the Lightning connector in favor of the standard USB-C port, would make sense considering all latest MacBooks predominantly use that port for connectivity and charging. Albeit a very un-Apple move, I'm sure even Apple fans would applaud this, if true.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/68330-iphone-8-latest-rumors-curved-oled-usb-c.html

 

[Greg S]

Wait what!!??!?! Apple might remove a money-grabbing proprietary port from it's beloved device? That's a major step closer to making it a usable device if true. Granted, the $1000 price tag just makes up for the lost revenue on over-priced accessories that used lighting cables.

 

[oldikes]

Man I hate this trend of software buttons. Theyre fine when they work but the ones on my g3 have a tendency to not appear now and then...

 

[mbrowne5061]

Pretty sure the EU gave Apple until 2018 to fall in line with non-proprietary/USB ports, so the switch to USB-C shouldn't come as a surprise.

 

[davislane1]

Just when you thought Apple couldn't do anything more retarded after deleting the audio jack, they replace Lightning with USB-C.

 

[hahahanoobs]

Just when you thought Apple couldn't do anything more retarded after deleting the audio jack, they replace Lightning with USB-C.

USB = Universal
Long overdue.

 

[davislane1]

USB = Universal
Long overdue.

Lightning = Better.

Hadn't overstayed its welcome.

 

[hahahanoobs]

USB = Universal
Long overdue.

Lightning = Better.

Hadn't overstayed its welcome.

Macbooks support and can be charged via USB-C
iPhone 7 uses Lightning cable with 1A charger
USB-C can do what Lightning can do
Lightning connector "pins" can be damaged because they are exposed
USB-C connectors are on motherboards
USB-C cables are cheaper
Smartphones use USB-C
USB-C has higher charge and data rate
USB-C is a standard everyone can freely incorporate

Universal.

 

[davislane1]

Macbooks support and can be charged via USB-C
USB-C can do what Lightning can do
iPhone 7 uses Lightning cable with 1A charger
Lightning connector "pins" can be damaged because they are exposed
USB-C connectors are on motherboards
USB-C cables are cheaper
Smartphones use USB-C
USB-C can do 10Gbps
USB-C has higher charge rate
USB-C is a standard everyone can freely incorporate

Universal.

I have USB-C and Lightning devices. USB-C is a pain in the ***, Lightning isn't.

In case it's not abundantly clear, price and universality aren't on my mind when I buy an Apple product. They aren't even secondary considerations. This is true of most people who buy Apple products, because it isn't a "value" brand.

 

[hahahanoobs]

Macbooks support and can be charged via USB-C
USB-C can do what Lightning can do
iPhone 7 uses Lightning cable with 1A charger
Lightning connector "pins" can be damaged because they are exposed
USB-C connectors are on motherboards
USB-C cables are cheaper
Smartphones use USB-C
USB-C can do 10Gbps
USB-C has higher charge rate
USB-C is a standard everyone can freely incorporate

Universal.

I have USB-C and Lightning devices. USB-C is a pain in the ***, Lightning isn't.

In case it's not abundantly clear, price and universality aren't on my mind when I buy an Apple product. They aren't even secondary considerations. This is true of most people who buy Apple products, because it isn't a "value" brand.

"Lightning = Better."
"I have USB-C and Lightning devices. USB-C is a pain in the ***, Lightning isn't."

I gave a list of pro's for USB-C and those are the replies I get? We're done here.

 

[ScubaRhys]

I'm honestly a bit disappointed to hear about the lightning port going, I prefer it to USB type c, its smaller and simpler. Considering I literally only use the port to charge I don't really care for all the other things a type c port can do.

 

[davislane1]

"Lightning = Better."
"I have USB-C and Lightning devices. USB-C is a pain in the ***, Lightning isn't."

I gave a list of pro's for USB-C and those are the replies I get? We're done here.

Lightning is better because it's easier to use = my entire position. You expected me to bullet-point this?

Unrealistic expectations.

 

[hahahanoobs]

Lightning is better because it's easier to use = my entire position. You expected me to bullet-point this?

Unrealistic expectations.

You remind me of this:

 

[davislane1]

That's one way to keep the Apple sheep stereotype alive...

It's an iPhone. The product is the stereotype.

 

[hahahanoobs]

It's an iPhone. The product is the stereotype.

Brainwash complete.

Oh, and enjoy that included 1A charger. Even my Note 2 is 2A... and it's micro USB.

 

[turismozilla]

My give-a-fnck-o-meter must be broken.

 

[Chidoro]

Lightning is better because it's easier to use = my entire position. You expected me to bullet-point this?

Unrealistic expectations.

It's a cable you plug in. What other non-challenging things in life stump you?

 

[MonsterZero]

Lightning is outdated, USBC is a UNIVERSAL STANDARD.

 

[Trillionsin]

It's an iPhone. The product is the stereotype.

Brainwash complete.

Oh, and enjoy that included 1A charger. Even my Note 2 is 2A... and it's micro USB.

I'm not even an iphone fan.... but you sound like the biggest ****** in here. You make a list, and expect people to give a ****? Then, YOU want to be offensive.

To quote, "We're done here." You should have left it at that. Instead of making two more replies just enforcing what we already think about you. Why should you care what we think? I dont know... why are you making bullet point lists? Who cares? I dont really want an answer to that, I really dont.

Edit: To point out something for you, I dont get emails or notifications on replies. That's how much I dont care. I wont be back to see whatever hostility you have to reply to this. Have fun though.

 

[hahahanoobs]

I'm not even an iphone fan.... but you sound like the biggest ****** in here. You make a list, and expect people to give a ****? Then, YOU want to be offensive.

To quote, "We're done here." You should have left it at that. Instead of making two more replies just enforcing what we already think about you. Why should you care what we think? I dont know... why are you making bullet point lists? Who cares? I dont really want an answer to that, I really dont.

Edit: To point out something for you, I dont get emails or notifications on replies. That's how much I dont care. I wont be back to see whatever hostility you have to reply to this. Have fun though.

Probably the most hypocritical post I've seen in a LONG time. Congrats.

 

[That Dude There]

I'm done with Iphones. Only suckers upgrade every year or pay $800 for a phone. Yes I paid that for my last one, but no more. (well still paying)

 

[ScubaRhys]

Lol at the rage a news article about a phone company changing its ports can create! You nerds need to get laid!