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Report says the new 4.7-inch iPhone 8 will be more exciting than you think

Published Nov 29th, 2016 9:57AM EST

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Apple will apparently release three new iPhones next year, including the OLED iPhone 8 as well as two LCD models sporting 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch displays. While a report said the 4.7-inch iPhone 8 may become Apple’s cheapest iPhone next year, a source with an impeccable track record indicates the handset will still be an exciting upgrade.

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The 4.7-inch iPhone 8 is expected to feature a glass body as well, and a battery that will support wireless charging. That’s exciting because Apple is reportedly working on a new type of wireless charging technology that’s not available on any other smartphone. The next iPhone might recharge from across the room. Comparatively, current smartphones that support wireless charging need to be placed on a wireless charging mat.

“Positive prospects for 2H17F new iPhone models, with potentially unprecedented replacement demand,” KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo wrote in a note seen by MacRumors.

“Our rationale is as follows: (1) the OLED model may trigger replacement demand among high-end users given its completely all-new-design form factor and notably superior specs in comparison to the TFT-LCD models; and (2) the new 4.7” iPhone, featuring glass casing and wireless charging, looks well positioned to tap replacement demand at the entry level.”

Kuo has been very accurate with his past iPhone predictions, and this isn’t his first note on the iPhone 8. In recent weeks, Kuo also said next year’s iPhones will be available in three sizes, including two LCD and one OLED model. He also said Apple will replace aluminum with glass for the iPhone 8’s rear shell to enable wireless charging. Of note, it’s still unclear if Kuo’s recent reports refer to conventional wireless charging or the new long-range technology Apple is believed to be testing.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.