Yet another set of schematics for iPhone 8 have surfaced ahead of its official debut, again hinting at slimmer bezels that make room for a larger display, and the removal of the Home button.
The latest also suggest that Apple will relocate its fingerprint scanner to the back of the device to retain Touch ID functionality.
Apple really has no choice but to dramatically redesign the iPhone this year. Fans are expecting a major upgrade to celebrate the handset’s tenth anniversary, and Apple must deliver. If these schematics turn out to be accurate, it will do exactly that.
Just like the last iPhone 8 technical drawings, which are very similar, these ones surfaced on Chinese micro-blogging website Weibo. They show what looks like a familiar iPhone at first glance, but with dramatically reduced bezels around its display, and no Home button.
What appears to be a Touch ID sensor sits on the back of the device, allowing users to unlock their handset and authenticate Apple Pay payments while holding the iPhone in their palm. The rear-facing cameras are stacked one on top of the other, as opposed to side by side.
Photo: Weibo
It looks like the glass on the front of the device will be flat — not curved as some rumors have suggested. However, the dimensions suggest this will be the smallest iPhone 8 in Apple’s lineup, whereas curved glass is reportedly reserved for the largest, most expensive model.
In comparison with the 4.7-inch iPhone 7, this device is 11mm taller, 5.4mm wider, and exactly the same thickness.
It is believed this image was taken during the third revision of the iPhone 8’s Engineering Validation Test, an early stage in Apple’s product development cycle. Before this design is finalized, it must also pass a Design Validation Test, and a Production Validation Test.
This isn’t the first time iPhone schematics have leaked on Weibo ahead of an official unveiling, but as always, we recommend taking these with a pinch of salt.
Via: 9to5Mac
