A new report from KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo sets out his top predictions for the iPhone in 2017: updates to the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus as well as an all new OLED iPhone 8.
Kuo predicts that the new iPhone model, thanks to a notch on the top of the screen, will have the largest screen-to-body ratio available on the market but that the virtual home button will not support the fingerprint touch ID that has previously been predicted.
Earlier this year, leaks of what appeared to be a dummy model of the iPhone 8 appeared that seemingly flipped between two prospective designs: one made from aluminium and another with curved glass both front and back. There was no touch ID visible on this, so many presumed that it would be integrated under the display. This new report confirms the dummy model of the 5.8 inch, bezel-less OLED device with a notch at the top to incorporate the front camera or earpiece.
The updated LCD iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will have standard 4.7 inch and 5.5 inch displays, with the front faces resembling the current models. It is believed that they will have glass backs and an aluminium frame. All three phones will now have wireless charging, although the charging ‘pad’ will be an additional purchase.
Regarding the fingerprint sensor, KGI’s report is vague but it is suggested that the home button, on the OLED screen, will not support a fingerprint sensor under the display panel. Instead, Kuo explains, Apple have ditched a fingerprint sensor altogether to make way for facial recognition:
We predict the OLED model won’t support fingerprint recognition, reasons being: (1) the full-screen design doesn’t work with existing capacitive fingerprint recognition, and (2) the scan-through ability of the under-display fingerprint solution still has technical challenges.
The front facing camera on the iPhone 8 will support 3D depth sensing allowing for facial recognition.
Further enhancements for the new iPhone come with the consistency of the speaker, which will support more balanced stereo sounds. KGI also believe that the new model will be offered in fewer colors than the normal iPhone lineup.