The new iPhone 8 is all shiny and new. And probably hard to get, too.
The upcoming iPhone 8 is reportedly in limited quantity as product stocks slow down due to a complicated manufacturing process. The phone is still expected to launch in September. However, shipping will be delayed due to expected high demand even if preorders haven't begun yet.
Apple has been busy these days. It just unveiled its new 9.7-inch iPad and (PRODUCT)RED limited edition red iPhone 7. It also launched its latest video editing iOS app "Clips."
Apple iPhone 8 In Limited Quantity
Apple is expected to introduce in September three phones: the two new iPhone 7 models and the iPhone 8. However, according to insider reports, experts note that supply is low due to "complicated manufacturing process and higher ASPs."
The new iPhone 8 is rumored to possess a radically different design and new features. It will sport an end-to-end display on a slim body made of glass. The camera and home button will be integrated into the display, a feature that can require complex manufacturing methods, which may explain the delay in the production. The term "iPhone 8" is still loosely being used, as there are more rumors saying that the new phone could be called "iPhone X," with "X" standing for the Roman numeral ten, as iPhone celebrates its 10th anniversary.
Apple will still push through with the September launch, although the main volume of units will not ship until later in the fourth quarter of the year, according to research analysts from Barclays. Researchers Blayne Curtis, Christopher Hemmelgarn, Thomas O'Malley and Jerry Zhang also said that the three new phones will all feature "wireless charging."
Barclays also denied reports that the 5.8-inch model will be launched alongside the updated 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch models, otherwise rumored to be iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus.
If this shortage of supply indeed happens, it will mirror what happened to the Jet Black iPhone 7, which disappeared almost instantly during the shopping season. The analysts said they expect this to happen to the new iPhone as well based on their information from Apple's supply chains.
The New iPhone's Features
The complicated manufacturing process could be due to the iPhone 8's new design. The 5.8-inch display will feature 5.15 inches of OLED screen realty, which will span from end-to-end, as well as a bezel-less design first popularized by Samsung Galaxy S7 edge. Due to this, the iconic physical Home button will disappear and get integrated into the screen. Likewise, the Touch ID and front camera will be embedded in the screen.
In terms of internals, iPhone 8 will feature a stacked logic board design which will give way to larger battery space and other internal parts.
