Every year, Apple give its users great news by unveiling devices with more exciting features and updates.This 2017, the iPhone X is anticipated to make its debut. Here's what aficionados can expect.
The iPhone 8 is expected to be making a special grand entrance as the tech giant's 10th anniversary iPhone. Also referred to as iPhone X. Yes, X is alluding to the roman numeral 10.
iPhone X: what to expect?
According to Fox News, the iPhone X, which is due later this year will likely have an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. This is according Raymond Soneira, a display expert who heads DisplayMate Technologies. He published a report this week with his thoughts on Apple's future phone.
Soneira holds a Ph.D. in theoretical physics from Princeton University and founded DisplayMate Technologies in 1989. He compared the iPhone X to the upcoming Samsung Galaxy 8, in terms of the OLED display. This would be a first for Apple, which has exclusively used LCDs on it's iPhones.
iPhone X: possible challenge for Apple
The challenge for Apple is that the switch to an OLED display is filled with complexity. By using an OLED display, not only does the mechanical engineering change, but the electronics and the batteries as well. Another major consideration is that the software tied to the display has to be rewritten.
That also presents Apple with an opportunity to set itself apart from the competition, as it would be particularly interesting to see how all the smartphone manufacturers will differentiate their similar OLED display hardware with various and innovative software and firmware.
iPhone X: only one high-end iPhone this year?
Several analysts and experts are saying that Apple will only sell one high-end OLED iPhone model this year. This is because Samsung won't be able to supply the tens of millions displays per quarter that Apple needs for multiple models. The South Korean electronics giant must sell its OLED displays to other large smartphone customers, while meeting the in-house demand for its popular Galaxy phones as well.
iPhone X: more good news from Tim Cook
Per Daily Express, Apple's very own has some surprises unveiled for fans, as CEO Tim Cook hinted that the company has exciting things are in the pipeline this week, while rumors around the iPhone X continue to grow. Aside from the OLED display, users can reportedly look forward to an all-glass design, improved dual-camera set-up, and no physical Home Button. A first for the device.
Cook is evidently in no rush to douse the growing buzz around the upcoming 10th anniversary iPhone X. During the company's quarterly earnings call this week, Cook fuelled further speculation about Apple's product roadmap for the next year, as he said he think there's more lots to do for the iPhone. He even mentioned linking it to users' homes and being able to operate tasks like turning lights on/off, access to a geofence, Siri''s integration with home automation, among others.
iPhone X: Siri vs Bixby
Meanwhile, latest reports mentioned that Samsung smart assistant, Bixby, will boast a number of AI features currently unavailable on its rival Siri. This includes the ability to identify real-world objects with the phone's camera. Once it has identified whatever the user is pointing at, the Samsung Galaxy S8 will be able to direct you to online retailers where you can purchase the item.
However, Apple is believed to be working on a number of improvements to its own assistant, which will likely launch later this year. Altough it is not year clear if the next-generation Siri will be included in iOS 11, or as an exclusive feature for the upcoming iPhone X.
Aside from the redesigned iPhone X hardware, and iOS software features, Apple is also rumored to be remove the Home Button, leaving a thick bezel at the top of the display for the in-built FaceTime camera.
