With speculations of an iPhone 7S or iPhone 8 looming on the horizon, reports that Apple may launch a new iPhone, tentatively titled iPhone X have emerged online.
This cryptic name has got everyone excited and analysts think that the iPhone X may merely be a replacement of the impending iPhone 8.
Why The Change?
Apple has been following the same naming conventions since its iPhone 4. It will be a huge departure from its naming convention if the company decides to call the iPhone 7's successor the iPhone X.
One of the probable reasons why Apple may decide to change the name of the next-gen iPhone is to stay ahead of rival Samsung.
The company is reportedly aiming a three-year instead of the two-year naming cycle to launch its phones and going by this logic, when Apple launches its next phone, Samsung will launch its Galaxy S9 and Note 9.
Therefore, if Apple decides to name its new iPhone the iPhone 8, it will fall behind Samsung in the numbers game. Naming the smartphone iPhone X seems more of a psychological move than anything else.
Another reason for the moniker could be Apple's 10th anniversary. The new iPhone will be launched in 2017, coinciding with the company's decennial. The iPhone X may be a reference to the same, as X is the Roman numeral for the number 10.
What Is Rumored To Change?
Apart from its name, there may be many more new things in store for the iPhone X. Cowen and Company analyst Timothy Arcuri has submitted a report citing sources in Apple's supply chain. The report claims that the new iPhone may have a wraparound 5.8-inch OLED screen. The fingerprint scanner, front camera and earpiece will all be embedded in the screen. This affirms older rumors that Apple will look to do away with its Home button.
Arcuri's report also claims that the new iPhone may have wireless charging. Even though these rumors have been around for quite a long time, the more we hear of them, the more genuine they appear. The name is the only new development to be gathered from Arcuri's report.
The report did mention some new elements. It claims that Apple may incorporate some new facial and gesture recognition measures, which will be powered by laser sensors. This could be the iris scanner, which has been in contention for the new iPhone. It could also point towards the rumored augmented reality that Apple is developing for the iPhone 8. The report also mentions the presence of an infrared sensor near the front-facing camera.
What Is The Status Of The iPhone 7S And iPhone 7S Plus?
Arcuri has mentioned that the standard iPhone 7s and 7s Plus will also be debuting with the iPhone X. For now, only the iPhone 8 is said to have OLED screens, but Arcuri claims that if Samsung has enough supply, then all three Apple smartphones will be fitted with the same.
These rumors, however, should be taken with a pinch of salt. Apple is known to keep its secrets closely guarded until the very end. Therefore the iPhone X may turn out to be different than what it is expected to be.
