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New iPhone 8 leak suggests Apple won’t use the design everyone hates

Published Apr 28th, 2017 10:56AM EDT

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We’re still more than four months away from seeing Apple unveil its next-generation iPhone 8, but you wouldn’t know it. There’s already a ton of buzz surrounding Apple’s upcoming new iPhones, which will reportedly include three different models this time around. In addition to the completely redesigned iPhone 8, we’re also expecting Apple to launch updated iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus models. Interestingly, the updated “S” iPhones this year may feature major hardware updates for the first time ever; Apple typically reuses its iPhone housings for “S” devices, but the iPhone 7s and 7s Plus may get new glass backs to facilitate wireless charging.

Of course, no one really cares about the iPhone 7s or iPhone 7s Plus right now. That’s right, everyone’s attention is focused on the completely redesigned iPhone 8. Apple’s new design, however, is a hotly debated topic right now.

While nothing is confirmed at this point, it’s safe to say the iPhone 8 will in fact sport a new design. Solid sources with very good track records report that the new phone will feature 2.5D glass on the front and back, with a stainless steel mid-frame sandwiched between them. The front will feature a new OLED display with a vastly improved screen-to-body ratio, but things get a little hazy after that.

We know with near certainty that, like Samsung, Apple will do away with the iPhone 8’s physical home button. According to some leaks, the next-gen iPhone will feature a fingerprint sensor that’s embedded beneath the screen. But other leaks suggest Apple will relocate the Touch ID fingerprint scanner to the back of the phone because it won’t be able to mass-produce enough iPhones with embedded sensors.

A Touch ID scanner on the back of the phone would probably be easier to manufacture, which means Apple would likely have no problem launching the phone in September. The only drawback, of course, would be a massive step backward in terms of user experience. As we recently saw, everyone hates the iPhone 8 design with the fingerprint scanner on the back.

The more desirable scenario that has been suggested by leakers is that Apple will indeed embed the Touch ID sensor beneath the iPhone 8’s display, but it will delay the phone’s release until October or possibly November as it works through manufacturing issues. Having to wait an extra month or two would certainly annoy eager Apple fans, but it’s still probably a better option than an iPhone with the fingerprint scanner on the back.

Today, a new leak from a reliable source may bring good news. Twitter user KK Sneak Leaks has several genuine leaks under his belt, and on Friday he posted a new photo of a third-party iPhone 8 case. As you can clearly see, there is no opening on this case for a rear-facing fingerprint reader.

While there’s nothing to say that the design of this case accurately depicts Apple’s iPhone 8, this particular Twitter user has well-connected sources. As such, it’s entirely possible that we’re looking at Apple’s final iPhone 8 design. It’ll be a while before anything is confirmed, but this new leak could definitely be good news.

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.