Leaked dummy unit provides new look at iPhone 8

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iPhone 8 dummy
Is this our best look yet at the iPhone 8?
Photo: Benjamin Geskin

An iPhone 8 “dummy unit” made from leaked parts give us an early glimpse at what Apple’s next big upgrade might look like.

Its form is similar to that of recent handsets like the iPhone 7, but with a larger edge-to-edge display that will help it compete with rivals like the Galaxy S8.

We might be three months away from its official debut, but we already have a good idea of what we can expect from the iPhone 8. Leaks, renders, and mockups have revealed what it will look like, and what kind of features it will pack.

But the latest could be the best and most accurate depiction of its new design so far. It’s a leaked dummy unit with a printed display, made by increasingly reliable tipster Benjamin Geskin (@VenyaGeskin1 on Twitter).

Geskin obtained the dummy unit, then printed a display using one of Apple’s new iPad wallpapers. We first got a glimpse at these in an iOS 10.3.3 beta before they went public in iOS 10.3.2 on the new 10.5- and 12.9-inch iPad Pros.

Geskin applied a screen protector to make the dummy look more realistic. It’s far from a real iPhone 8, but it could well be a perfect representation of what the final design will look like with its edge-to-edge display.

It is widely believed Apple will be introducing this to compete with handsets like the Galaxy S8 and the LG G6, which have eliminated bezels as much as possible to become more attractive. Without an edge-to-edge display, the iPhone 8 would look dated on day one.

You’ll notice there is no Home button on this dummy, and it’s still unclear where Apple will place its Touch ID scanner. It’s thought the company wants to embed it beneath the iPhone 8’s display but is having difficulty doing so. It may end up on the back of the device.

Other changes Apple is expected to bring include wireless charging, enhanced water-resistance, and iris scanning and facial recognition. It will also make the usual improvements to things like performance and cameras.

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