iPhone 8 release date, specs, and features surfaced online claiming that Apple will launch a new mid-range smartphone under the iPhone 8 brand. (Photo : Getty )
After reports that a 5-inch iPhone 8 is coming emerged, a report stated that Chinese manufacturing firm Wistron will be taking care of the production of the said smartphone.
Chinese publication Economic Daily News reported that Wistron will also be assembling some of the future iPhones. Although it is still unknown which variant the company will be responsible for, but Wistron has been responsible for the iPhone 5C and iPhone SE assembly in the past and could take over in making the mid-range smartphone. The other two major assemblers are Foxconn and Pegatron will most likely be responsible for the high end model of iPhone 8.
Wistron has hiked its investment in Kunshan, China to $200 million, about $65 million more than its previous budget, reports Apple Insider. If the report turns out to be true, it will be the first time Wistron will be responsible for assembling a primary iPhone rather than cheaper alternatives like the iPhone 5C and iPhone SE.
Known Apple tipster Macotakara cited sources from the Taiwanese supply chain claiming that Apple will unveil a 5-inch iPhone with similar specifications with iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus. The "s" models usually have minor updates based on Apple's tick-tock cycle. Thus, the 5-inch iPhone 8 may have almost similar specs with the current iPhone 7, 7 Plus.
If rumors proved to be true, it is speculated that Apple will kill the iPhone SE line. The iPhone SE is Apple's take on the mid-range market. The smartphone was released in March as a replacement for iPhone 5S. It retained its 4-inch screen while including some of the specs and features of iPhone 6S such as the updated processor, rear camera, and support for iOS 9 software features such as Apple Pay, always-on Siri activation, and Live Photos.
The supposed 5-inch iteration is also rumored to feature a dual-lens camera array with iSight modules arranged vertically rather than the horizontal configuration introduced with iPhone 6s Plus. Meanwhile, according to well-connected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the top-tier model will feature exotic technology like a flexible OLED screen measuring 5.1 or 5.2 inches, invisible Touch ID home button, wireless charging and a "glass sandwich" enclosure.
Rumors claimed that iPhone 8 release date will be in March following the release of the first iPhone. However, this should be taken lightly as Apple has released no official statement yet.
