iPhone 8 release date revealed? Apple experts uncover HUGE clue about when smartphone will be unveiled
Tech giant expected to unleash its blockbuster 10th anniversary smartphone very soon
THERE have been plenty of leaks about what we can expect when the new iPhone 8 is finally unveiled.
Apple rumours suggest we'll see a redesigned edge-to-edge OLED screen with no home button, facial recognition technology, augmented reality features and wireless charging.
But one of the biggest questions has been when customers will be able to actually get their hands on the new device.
The product has the potential to make Apple the only company in history that's worth $1 trillion, so a lot is riding on its success.
Now analysts believe they have spotted a major clue on its release date.
Assuming that customers upgrade their smartphones roughly every 2.7 years, Apple is expecting 2017 to usher in a “supercycle” of sales not seen since the 2014 release of the iPhone 6.
Such an achievement would help redeem the reputation of Apple chief executive Tim Cook, who has been criticised as lacking vision and strategy since taking over the company six years ago.
Having already reported impressive profit and revenue growth in its just-completed third quarter, Apple said it expected to pull in more than £39 billion worth of sales during the upcoming quarter.
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Apple’s prediction cements the company’s belief of a new “supercycle” from consumers who delayed earlier purchases in anticipation of something special for the tenth anniversary of the original iPhone.
Amit Daryanani, an analyst at RBC Capital Markets, said Apple’s confidence also suggests the company’s the drastically overhauled iPhone 8 will be released shortly after Apple’s annual September event and not delayed as previously suggested.
“Apple delivered a strong June quarter print, but the material surprise was strong September quarter guidance that effectively implies no iPhone launch delay despite myriad of blog and supplier commentary to the contrary,”
Analyst T. Michael Walkley also agreed with Apple and said it would surpass the previous “supercycle” and sell roughly 248 million units.
“We believe the hype and speculation is greater than any previous iPhone product cycle for iPhone 8 with almost daily leaks and rumours regarding the next iPhone,” he said.
With the iPhone 8 expected to be priced just short of the £1,000 mark, the analyst said he expected the improved iPhone 7S and iPhone 7S Plus to remain popular choices.
“We do not expect demand for these legacy models to fall as quickly as in prior launch cycles,” he said.
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