Apple will reportedly launch not two, but three iPhone 8 models in 2017, and all three will feature glass backs.
This is not the first time that rumors of three iPhone 8 models emerge, but previous reports indicated that only one model would feature a glass back, while the other two would retain the current aluminum build.
Nevertheless, a new report from Japanese publication Nikkei now claims that Apple is working on three glass-backed iPhone 8 models with different screen sizes, set to hit the market in 2017.
Nikkei says that it has learned from a supply chain source that the upcoming iPhone 8 will come in 4.7-inch, 5-inch and 5.5-inch sizes. The latest iPhones launched in two sizes - 4.7 and 5.5 inches - so the next generation will add another 5-inch option to bridge the gap between the existing models.
"Apple has tentatively decided that all the 5.5-inch, 5-inch and 4.7-inch models will have glass backs, departing from metal casings adopted by current iPhones, and Biel and Lens are likely to be providing all the glass backs for the new iPhones next year," Nikkei cites its source.
In fact, Biel and Lens will apparently make the glass for both the front and back of the iPhone 8. Long-time Apple partner Foxconn has also been working on glass backs, but Biel is reportedly ahead with its technology.
The Japanese publication further expects Apple to launch one premium iPhone 8 model with a curved edge-to-edge OLED display, while the other two models would feature standard LCD screens.
We're still a good while away from the iPhone 8's debut in the fall of 2017, so a lot of things could change until then. Nikkei itself points out that Apple is still early in the development process, which means that it could change its plans or ultimately ditch plans for three iPhone 8 models.
The iPhone 7 was also initially rumored to come in three models, which obviously did not materialize. Apple reportedly scrapped plans for a single-camera 5.5-inch model roughly six months before the iPhone 7 hit the scene.
Recent rumors also hinted at a revolutionary iPhone 8 design to mark the iPhone's 10th anniversary, but the futuristic design mentioned seems highly unlikely. Nevertheless, Apple is still expected to come up with something special for the iPhone 8 to celebrate a decade of iPhones.
It remains to be seen just what design, features and specs the iPhone 8 will sport, as it's too early to tell at this point. We'll keep you up to date as soon as more details hit the scene, but take all reports with a grain of salt.
