An Apple iPhone 7s is seen in the upgraded Apple store on Regent Street on October 13, 2016 in London, England. (Photo : Getty Images/Leon Neal)
It has been a while since fans have seen significant changes to the design of the iPhone. However, all that is about to change as reports claiming that the upcoming iPhone 8 will feature a bezel-less design have started pouring in.
Citing sources from Apple's supply chain, Barclays Research analysts Blayne Curtis, Christopher Hemmelgarn, Thomas O'Malley, and Jerry Zhang said in a research note that the next model of Apple's flagship device will sport a brand-new design. The analysts believe the iPhone 8 will come in 5-inch and 5.8-inch models with curved displays that extend all the way to the edges, similar to Xiaomi's recently introduced Mi Mix smartphone.
"iPhone 8 design didn't sound 100% locked down but we believe the move is to a bezel-less design with screen sizes getting larger and curved edges in the original envelope," the analysts said in the research note obtained by MacRumors. "The iPhone 8 moves to 5" (from 4.7") and the Plus moves to 5.8" (from 5.5")."
#iPhone8 'Free Form' Display Could Look Like This https://t.co/hAcD4SNrBv pic.twitter.com/fkegl5hEeM
— Tom's Guide (@tomsguide) November 2, 2016
The report also pointed out that only the 5.8-inch model will feature an OLED display, which is known to be sharper, brighter and less energy-consuming as opposed to LCD technology. The note is in line with KGI Securities analyst Min-Chi Kuo, who is a highly credible source for Apple rumors. The analyst had said in March that Apple will release a 5.8-inch iPhone with a curved OLED display and glass casing in 2017.
Moreover, Apple was recently granted a patent to produce "devices with sidewall displays" much like Samsung's Galaxy Edge models, according to Mashable. A bezel-free design would mean that Apple would have to say goodbye to the iconic home button and embed a Touch ID sensor underneath the display. There are rumors suggesting that the iPhone 8 could also feature wireless charging technology.
To get an idea of how the Apple iPhone 8 will look, watch the video below:
