iPhone 8

A report out of Korea says that Samsung – dropped by Apple as a supplier for iPhone processor chips last year – will once more share production with TSMC from next year.

Apple used to split its A-series chip production between Samsung and TSMC, until switching exclusively to the Taiwanese company for the iPhone 7. TSMC kept its exclusive contract for the upcoming iPhone 8, but Samsung has reportedly succeeded in winning orders for the 2018 iPhone thanks to two factors …

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Morgan Stanley’s Katy Huberty is the latest analyst to weigh in on Apple’s 10th anniversary iPhone release(s). Citing the same delays as many others, Huberty believes an iPhone super cycle may still occur, but will just be pushed into 2018.

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We’ve been hearing various reports since the start of the year that the typical production schedule for the iPhone lineup is not happening this year, and these claims have only been boosted in recent weeks. Today, Economic Daily News is reporting that all three new iPhones — the major-redesigned iPhone 8 and the ‘7s’ iterative updates to the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus — are yet to start mass production.

The report says that the new 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch phones are expected to ramp up in August, a month behind the normal new iPhone production timelines. Moreover, the OLED 5.8-inch iPhone (with bezel-less screen and all-new chassis design) may not be available until November.

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In this week’s top stories: New iOS11, tvOS 11, watchOS 4, and macOS High Sierra betas, iPhone 8 reports, Apple’s Back to School deal, new apps and updates, and much more.

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According to a new report out of The Korea Herald, Apple is taking matters into its own hands to ensure that key iPhone 8 parts are ready in time for the device’s release. The report says that Apple has recently purchased production equipment that allows it to produce a key component of the iPhone 8 due to one supplier backing out of its agreement…

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John Gruber has succinctly summarised my own doubts about claims that Apple is still in the process of making hardware decisions about the iPhone 8 at this late stage. In particular, that no final decision has yet been made about whether or not to include Touch ID, or replace it altogether with face-recognition.

I think it’s bonkers to think that Apple is still working on hardware decisions like this in the middle of July […] Hardware doesn’t work like that. Many of the decisions related to the hardware on this year’s new iPhones were made two years ago …

Although there have been multiple rumors of a delayed launch for the iPhone 8, these have been in the order of weeks or – at worst – a month or two …

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Apple news this week has largely been dominated by reports claiming Apple is struggling to get key features of the iPhone 8 ready ahead of its launch. Some have said that Apple will launch the flagship device with certain features missing, while others have said the company will simply push the device’s release back by a few weeks.

Which would you prefer?

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While many analysts have predicted a “super cycle” for the iPhone 8, there have been a handful of reports recently giving more weight to a possible delay as Apple is said to be in ‘panic mode’ in regards to wireless charging and 3D features in addition to other component challenges. The latest report from Barclays analysts suggests that a new bezel-less OLED display won’t be enough to convince many users to upgrade.

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While I’m generally more of a hard-SF fan, I’m not above a little lighthearted fun where sci-fi is concerned – so I can enjoy a good Star Trek episode as much as the next person. And there are a couple of Star Trek toys I think most of us would like to see: replicators and holodecks.

Replicators as the kind of ultimate Amazon Prime, putting anything you might want into your hands instantly. Holodecks as a way to experience any sights and activities you could ever wish, without even having to leave the building.

But while VR might be the first stepping stone toward holodecks, I think it’s augmented reality rather than virtual reality that will be where the action – and the money – is …

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As has been said many times in the past, ARKit is perhaps the clearest sign yet that Apple is going all-in when it comes to augmented reality. With the iPhone 8 set to come later this year, it makes sense that it too would feature advanced AR features. Now, Fast Company reports that the device will feature a rear-facing 3D sensor to aid with AR and other camera technology…

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A day after a report claimed that Apple is operating in a “panic” trying to make key iPhone 8 features ready for launch time, analysts today are predicting a delay for the device itself. As noted by CNBC, Bank of America Merrill Lynch analysts released a report today claiming that the iPhone 8 will ship 3 to 4 weeks later than anticipated…

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Apple’s trials and tribulations over the upcoming iPhone 8 have been well documented thus far and a new report this evening from Fast Company continues that trend. The report explains that Apple’s team of engineers and designers working on the iPhone are operating with a “sense of panic in the air” as we near the device’s unveil later this year…

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Barron’s is claiming that Apple still hasn’t finalized its authentication plans for the iPhone 8, and has ‘just weeks’ to decide whether or not to include a Touch ID module embedded into the display.

“Apple continues to struggle with the workaround for the fingerprint sensor,” writes Hargreaves, “This increases the potential that the new OLED iPhone could be delayed, or ship without a fingerprint sensor, either of which could increase risk to unit sales and mix for the cycle.”

The report even suggests that the flagship phone could launch without support for Apple Pay …

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While most analysts are confidently predicting that the launch of the iPhone 8 will trigger a so-called ‘supercycle,’ generating record sales for Apple, Deutsche Bank analysts think this is an overly optimistic view.

They believe that the new iPhone won’t beat the sales surge seen for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus …

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There’s been much speculation about the price of the iPhone 8. There have long been reports that the price may exceed $1000 – and even those who think it won’t quite reach this level do expect it to be very close.

When we wondered whether a thousand dollars might be a psychological barrier, there were mixed views. Fewer than 15% of you said you’d ‘happily’ pay a 4-figure sum. Around 30% of you said you’d reluctantly pay it, and almost half said that was just too much.

But John Gruber has been stirring up speculation that the price may be even higher …

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Apple’s flagship iPhone this year is said to a have an OLED screen, an all-glass design, wireless charging, and much more. Now, Twitter leaker Benjamin Geskin is claiming that the device will come in four colors – one of which is a new mirror-like option…

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In this week’s top stories: New iPhone 8 face recognition and Touch ID details, our 10.5-inch iPad Pro Smart Keyboard video review, new apps and updates, and much more.

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It has long been rumored that Apple’s upcoming 2017 iPhone models will feature some sort of wireless charging technology, but now blogger John Gruber says that the feature might not be available at launch…

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Samsung has forecast that its Q2 profits will easily set an all-time record for the company. While sales of its flagship S8 smartphone will play some role, the bulk of these profits are expected to come from chip and display panels – with Apple its largest single customer …

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