Component Production Begins for 2017 iPhones as New Renders Combine iOS 11 With iPhone 8

As we get closer to the launch of the so-called "iPhone 8" in the fall, a new report out of Apple's supply chain today confirms that the company has begun mass producing components for all three of 2017's iPhone models. The report corroborates what has been rumored for well over a year: Apple will launch two iterative iPhone updates sized at 4.7 inches and 5.5 inches, along with a 5.8-inch model that includes the first ever OLED screen on an iPhone.

According to DigiTimes' sources, the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhones will include a reinforced glass chassis and an aluminum metal frame, while the 5.8-inch iPhone will feature the same reinforced glass chassis and an unspecified "metal frame." Recent rumors have largely agreed that the iPhone 8's frame will be made of stainless steel, similar to Apple Watch.

iphone 8 renders ios 11
Samsung Display is one of the manufacturers currently in component production on Apple's next-generation iPhones, and is said to be ready to supply up to 80 million AMOLED panels for the 5.8-inch iPhone 8 in 2017, falling between the 70 million and 92 million previously rumored.

Samsung Display is set to supply up to 80 million AMOLED panels for the new 5.8-inch iPhone in 2017, according to sources from the upstream supply chain.

Samsung Display's remaining capacity, which is expected to output another 80 million AMOLED panels in 2017, will be used to supply orders from Samsung Electronics and its other smartphone clients, but the panel maker is expected to keep some flexibility in case Apple places additional orders, the sources noted.

The manufacturer will be capable of outputting another 80 million AMOLED panels this year, but that half will be focused on orders from Samsung Electronics and other, non-Apple smartphone clients. Sources did say that if Apple were to increase its orders, Samsung Display "is expected to keep some flexibility" in its supply chain to cut down orders elsewhere and compensate its output for the Cupertino company.

In a separate article posted online this week, speculative renders shared by iDropNews have taken a look at what the iPhone 8 might look like running iOS 11. The renders have kept the overall same look as ones posted online in May, but now offer glimpses into what new iOS 11 features -- like peer-to-peer Apple Pay, the redesigned Control Center, new Lock Screen, Apple Music, and more -- could look like on iPhone 8.

iphone 8 renders 2
The new renders continue the rumors that iPhone 8 will include Touch ID embedded underneath the iPhone's display, and not on the back of the device or in the lock button. Facial/iris scanning and wireless charging are also potential inclusions on the new iPhone 8, and a vertical dual-lens camera has been suggested by multiple sources over the past few months, making it one of the more likely features of the OLED iPhone.

The sensor bar at the top of the device houses the iPhone's front-facing cameras, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, and earpiece, and remains one of more uncertain aspects of the iPhone 8's design, according to iDropNews.

It’s still unknown which iOS design choice Apple will implement regarding the unusual top half of the iPhone X’s display, which is covered partially by the bar. Apple could go one of two ways with this design – 1.) iOS could employ the entire display, ignoring the bar, (as shown in the photos provided) to display full-size pictures, backgrounds, screensavers, apps, and more. This would be the most striking and unique option, however that could be a tricky prospect for app developers who would be required to navigate app or game interfaces around the center bar.

2.) The second, and more conservative, option would to black-out or white-out the portions of the display that are separated by the center bar, and use contrasting color icons for battery, signal strength, Wi-Fi strength, time etc., leaving a traditional rectangular display beneath.

Exactly when users will be able to get their hands on the iPhone 8 is still up in the air. In DigiTimes' report today, analyst Luke Lin said that the 5.8-inch iPhone will see shipments between 50-55 million units in the second half of 2017. The catch is that mass production on the iPhone itself -- not just its components, like today's display and chassis report -- "is unlikely to start until after mid-September." In the third quarter specifically, production volumes are expected to only be around 3 million iPhone 8 units.

iphone 8 ios 11 render
This news largely falls in line with reports from earlier this year that said the iPhone 8 will be hard to obtain in 2017, with Ming-Chi Kuo stating in April that the OLED iPhone would face "severe supply shortages" for some time, and believing production ramp up for the device won't begin until as late as October-November.

This would put iPhone production two months behind previous ramp-ups in August-September -- a belief also supported by Bloomberg, analysts from Barclays, and Brian White. Still, not all analysts believe there will be delays, as Morgan Stanley said in May that its Greater China Technology Research colleagues have "not yet seen delays in the supply chain." Morgan Stanley believes iPhone production will start on time for most components, leading to a typical launch window for the new iPhone.

The other two iPhone models are predicted to be more easy to obtain, with combined shipments of the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 7 and iPhone 7s expected to reach 25-30 million units in the second half of the year.

Related Forums: iPhone, iOS 11

Top Rated Comments

Darrensk8 Avatar
76 months ago
Do we really think the sensors/camera/speaker will be designed to cut into the screen like that?!?

I guess you'll need to see it in person but it looks kinda ugly to me
Score: 42 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HarryKeogh Avatar
76 months ago
I totally called this last year when I said the next iPhone would be rectangular and with a screen.

Funny thing is every year we have to reach harder and harder to find something to complain about.

"That bezel is like a millimeter way too wide!"

"They got rid of the home button but still haven't invented technology to make the camera invisible? Sad!"

"12 hours of battery? What if I'm stranded on Mars?"

"The camera bezel is vertical!? Why do I even bother getting out of bed :( "
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Eggtastic Avatar
76 months ago
The money made from these phones will help finance the space ship campus to actually fly.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
viperGTS Avatar
76 months ago
Do we really think the sensors/camera/speaker will be designed to cut into the screen like that?!?
I sure hope not. That looks TERRIBLE.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jack Delgado Avatar
76 months ago
Tired of seeing people butcher the concept, here's my edit that I made using ****** MS Paint. I really think the top area will stay black, looks much better this way.

Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dlewis23 Avatar
76 months ago
Looking more and more like a Samsung Galaxy.
It really doesn't.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 16

Apple Releases iOS 16.4 With New Emoji, Safari Web Push Notifications, Beta Changes, Voice Isolation for Calls and More

Monday March 27, 2023 10:03 am PDT by
Apple today released iOS 16.4, the fourth major update to the iOS 16 operating system that initially came out last September. iOS 16.4 comes two months after the launch of iOS 16.3, an update that added Security Keys for Apple ID. iOS 16‌.4 and iPadOS 16.4 can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. It can take a few minutes...
iOS 16

iOS 16.4 Will Add These 8 New Features to Your iPhone

Sunday March 26, 2023 8:06 am PDT by
Following nearly six weeks of beta testing, iOS 16.4 is expected to be released to the public as soon as this week. The software update includes a handful of new features and changes for the iPhone 8 and newer. To install an iOS update, open the Settings app on the iPhone, tap General → Software Update, and follow the on-screen instructions. Below, we have recapped eight new features and...
apple mixed reality headset concept by david lewis and marcus kane

Some Apple Employees Seriously Concerned About Mixed-Reality Headset as Announcement Draws Closer

Sunday March 26, 2023 8:25 am PDT by
Some Apple employees are concerned about the usefulness and price point of the company's upcoming mixed-reality headset, The New York Times reports. Apple headset concept by David Lewis and Marcus Kane Initial enthusiasm around the device at the company has apparently become skepticism, according to eight current and former Apple employees speaking to The New York Times. The change of tone...
iOS 17 on Phone Feature

Gurman: iOS 17 to Provide Several 'Most Requested Features'

Sunday March 26, 2023 6:05 am PDT by
Apple changed the strategy for iOS 17 later in its development process to add several new features, suggesting that the update may be more significant than previously thought, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports. In January, Gurman said that iOS 17 could be a less significant update than iPhone updates in previous years due to the company's intense focus on its long-awaited mixed-reality...
apple tv 4k red image

Apple Releases tvOS 16.4 for Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD

Monday March 27, 2023 10:00 am PDT by
Apple today released tvOS 16.4, the fourth major point update to the tvOS 16 operating system that came out last September. Available for the Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD, tvOS 16.4 comes two months following the release of tvOS 16.3. The tvOS 16.4 update can be downloaded over the air through the Settings app on the ‌‌‌‌Apple TV‌‌‌‌ by going to System > Software Update....
Steve Jobs Theater dusk

Apple Reportedly Demoed Mixed-Reality Headset to Executives in the Steve Jobs Theater Last Week

Sunday March 26, 2023 5:53 am PDT by
Apple showcased its mixed-reality headset to the company's top 100 executives in the Steve Jobs Theater last week, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In the latest edition of his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman explained that the "momentous gathering" is a "key milestone" ahead of the headset's public announcement planned for June. The event was intended to rally Apple's top members of...
Apple Music Classical

Apple Explains Why It Launched an iPhone App Dedicated to Classical Music

Monday March 27, 2023 8:54 pm PDT by
Apple today published a support document explaining why it decided to release a standalone Apple Music Classical app for classical music. In short, Apple says the app was designed to support classical music's complex metadata:Classical music is different. It has longer and more detailed titles, multiple artists for each work, and hundreds of recordings of well-known pieces. The Apple Music...
iPhone 15 Pro Buttons CAD Leak

iPhone 15 Pro Low-Energy Chip to Allow Solid-State Buttons to Work When Device is Off or Out of Battery

Wednesday March 29, 2023 1:54 am PDT by
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will use a new ultra-low energy microprocessor allowing certain features like the new capacitive solid-state buttons to remain functional even when the handset is powered off or the battery has run out, according to a source that shared details on the MacRumors forums. CAD-based render of new solid-state buttons on iPhone 15 Pro models The source of this rumor is ...