Previous reports have indicated that Apple may be facing production delays with the iPhone 8, potentially causing the 10th-anniversary iPhone not to launch on time — but that may not be true after all.
iPhone 8 Not Delayed, Says Foxconn Source
Benjamin Geskin, who's been responsible for some tech leaks, now claims that the iPhone 8 isn't delayed and, in fact, has recently entered trial production.
On Twitter, Geskin says — quoting his source — that all three new 2017 iPhone models have begun trial production. The models refer to the iPhone 7s, the iPhone 7s Plus, and the iPhone 8.
The source, which Geskin claims comes directly from Zhengzhou Foxconn, says the factory currently produces 200 units each day. What's even more surprising is the fact that Geskin claims the phone's Touch ID feature is under the display during tests. This essentially means Apple might have found a way to integrate a fingerprint sensor below the screen, which Samsung reportedly failed to do with the Galaxy S8.
So it appears everything is on track, if claims from Geskin's source hold water. You might have noticed that 200 units aren't indicative of mass production, and that's because it's only a trial production, which is often performed to check if there are defects with the units.
Reports about Apple's release pattern for this year's iPhone models have been confusing so far. Some suggest it's going to face delays, some, like this new report, claim the opposite. In theory, Apple could initially produce small batches then ramp up production once September rolls right around the corner. Some analysts believe iPhone 8 supply could be constrained all the way into 2018.
iPhone 8 Rumors
Despite the iPhone 8's rumored release date still a few months away, practically everything about the device has already leaked in some form or another. Of course, these are nothing more than mere leaks and speculation, but as it's always been in the tech world, something is bound to get it right.
The iPhone is believed to have a bezel-less OLED display — the first time for an iPhone in its entire lifespan. Apple will allegedly remove the home button, relocating the Touch ID feature to a fingerprint scanner beneath the screen. This rumor is highly contentious — some say Apple hasn't perfected the tech yet, while some do believe that home button will be replaced by a facial recognition camera.
Rumors say the iPhone 8 will launch alongside iterative versions of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, continuing the "s" lineup. Some say the iPhone 8 will cost at least $1,000.
