The next step in the evolution of the iPhone is a constant point of speculation, but the 2017 handset is particularly important as is it will mark the tenth anniversary since the phone’s launch.
But beyond the mooted headline features – a larger display that fills the entire front of the phone, a virtual home button instead of a physical one – something else is catching the rumour-lovers’ eyes: a new colour.
One Apple rumour blog in Japan with a good track record for predictions is suggesting the next iPhone might come in red for the first time.
The iPhone 8 is expected late next year, and should be an extensive redesign of the current phone – as part of the marking of that tenth anniversary – as well as offering a notable step up on this year’s iPhone 7.
As already mentioned there are expected to be a hefty number of new hardware features, a red finish said to be among them, alongside the current Black, Jet Black, Silver, Gold and Rose Gold options.
However, in a twist, the Macotakara blog also suggests that this colour option would not be for an iPhone 8, but an iterative iPhone 7s and 7s Plus, with only minor tweaks.
Other prominent Apple rumour sites have suggested this information is half true, and that in fact Apple will do both and actually release three new iPhones in 2017 – a 7s, 7s Plus and an 8.
The revamped iPhone 8 could also feature a curved screen that wraps onto the side of the device for the first time, it has been suggested.
Three iPhones would be a bumper way to mark 10 years of the smartphone.