Apple's iPhone 8 is certainly going to borrow a page from its predecessor's shock value as it plans to ditch one of its most traditional features. Reports indicate that the Cupertino-based firm's next flagship device is slated to replace the device's home button with "Function Area".
GSMArena has reported that iPhone 8 is expected to come without physical buttons on its front. The firm is also tipped to retail three variants this year along with an screens that should arm OLED displays. This report corroborated what noted KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had shared previously. Kuo indicated that the next iPhone "will come with other biometric technologies that replace the current fingerprint recognition technology."
Meanwhile, the "function area's" speculation also confirms that Apple's iPhone 8 may very well be heading for a near bezel-less display. As cited by TechnoBuffalo via the recent Apple patent, it was hinted that the company has found a way to embed a fingerprint sensor right into the display, an indication that the touch ID home button is on its way out.
The same publication has added that iPhone 8's new "function area" may feature what the new MacBook's Touch Bar has introduced when it was launched. If it turns out to be legitimate, then the next iPhone may this area that dramatically changes depending on the user's most requested apps.
Reliable leakster Kuo has also added that iPhone 8 may have an actual display that is closer to 5.15- inches so the smartphone could showcase its virtual buttons. Moreover, if the forthcoming flagship device from Apple may really head for a button-less surface then it could go noticeably smaller than iPhone 7 while still offering a larger display.
Apple's iPhone is expected to be unveiled on Sept. 2017. The release will also coincide with the firm's 10th year anniversary in manufacturing the iconic smartphone.
