Apple is preparing to expand its iPhone family by launching the highly anticipated tenth-anniversary model on September 12. The next iPhone -- often rumoured as the iPhone 8 or recently reported as the iPhone X -- is expected to debut along with a new Apple Watch and an upgraded Apple TV. For the first time, the Cupertino giant is hosting an event at the Steve Jobs Theatre to showcase all its new developments under one roof. The upcoming iPhone model will certainly be the showstopper, while the Tim Cook-led team is also said to be bringing the successors to the last year's iPhone 7 and 7 Plus as the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, respectively.
The next-generation Apple's smartphone is speculated to come with an improved design over its predecessors and includes new storage options as well as an upgraded iOS platform. The iPhone maker would also highlight some of the accessories supporting the new hardware at its forthcoming event. Meanwhile, here's a closer look at all the features that the new iPhone is likely to include to take on the competition.
Bezel-less experience
If there's one thing that comes to the mind of techies when they think about the next iPhone, it is a bezel-less display that would cover the entire front panel of the new Apple device. The company is said to be relying on an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display that will deliver more vivid colors and deeper blacks than the existing LCD panels.
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The new adoption is the need of the hour for the iPhone maker since its closest competitor -- Samsung -- always prefer Super AMOLED displays for its flagship Galaxy models and offering minimal bezels has become a standard among all top-end models, including the Samsung Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+ and Note 8 as well as the LG G6 and the Essential PH-1.
Twin cameras
Some initial renders have confirmed that Apple is expanding its footprint in the recently emerged dual-camera smartphone segment with the iPhone X launch. This would be an improved version of the original two camera sensors that were debuted on the iPhone 7 Plus last year. Plus, Apple might be enhancing its Camera app to deliver a refined experience through the latest iPhone model.
Sans home button
The way Apple is planning to take on the competition with its new iPhone is beyond imagination. Interestingly, the company is not just opting for the new display technology or putting efforts on adding two camera sensors but is also bringing an entirely new experience that has no room for its home button. The iconic home button that has been a part of the iPhone range since the launch of the first iPhone in June 2007 will be replaced with some on-screen gestures. A new 3D sensor is also reportedly available on the new iPhone to detect the face of users to wake up the screen and even unlock the device.
New software in support
Whether it is the full-screen experience or the interface without the requirement of a home button, new software is needed to utilise all the hardware tweaks. Apple is, thus, building iOS 11 as the default software version for its entire new iPhone family, including the top-end iPhone X as well as the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. The initial beta version of the iOS update includes gesture support to allow users to easily handle their new iPhone sans the home button. Some speech improvements are also coming to Siri to make its voice more like a human. Similarly, Apple has designed ARKit for iOS 11 to add native support for augmented reality (AR) apps on the upcoming iPhone model.
Faster processor, more memory and larger storage options
To give full support to the new software-level changes, Apple is making space for a new processor on the iPhone X. The iPhone 7 had debuted last year with the company's first quad-core processing A10 Fusion chip that brought 40 percent greater CPU performance over the previous A9 chip.
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This time, the iPhone maker is set to bring a 10-nano metre architecture based A11 chip that will take the performance to new levels. There are also some speculations that the new iPhone will include 3GB of RAMover the last year's 2GB version to support enhanced multitasking operations. Besides, the company is said to be looking for as high storage as 256GB and even 512GB to give more space on the iPhone 8 than any of its existing handsets.
Wire-free charging
Apple is additionally in development to make the iPhone X a more convenient device for daily use. This is the reason the company, after many years of anticipation, is designing the new handset with wireless charging support. As per some recent reports, the new iPhone will use a Qi standard that will be compatible with most of the available charging pads and accessories. The company is also likely to add fast charging support to its flagship iPhone model.
Improved design
All the new hardware components will be bundled in a new build that will make the iPhone X an entirely distinguished offering in its family. Apple hasn't made any major changes in the design of its iPhone models since the iPhone 6 launch in 2014. Therefore, opting new design aesthetics is vital for the company to attract new customers. There are speculations that the new iPhone will come with a water-resistant body, with more resistance than the IP67-certified iPhone 7. Also, the company is opting for a glass back with stainless steel edges, similar to the design of the iPhone 4 and 4s, with newer color choices, including black, blush gold and silver.
Looking for more? You need to wait for the September 12 event to catch all the other features of the glorious iPhone X.
