iPhone X2 2018 release date, specs latest news: Apple's next flagship to get cheaper price; Notch display to be removed

According to the latest rumors, the public will have more reasons to look forward to Apple's 2018 iPhone lineup. For starters, the Cupertino-based tech firm is reportedly trying to achieve a true all-screen display for its next smartphone flagship, the iPhone X2. With this, users could finally say goodbye to the notch area on the top portion of the display, which would turn one-year-old by the time of the iPhone X2 launch. Apple is also expected to unveil a premium handset that is cheaper than the expensive iPhone X.

Promotional image for the iPhone XApple

A South Korean online tech publication ETNews, has tipped the iPhone X2 2018 devices will ditch the notch display, first introduced by the iPhone X. The tech giant is said to be developing a new design that would allow the screen panel to completely wrap around the front, from one edge to another. Removing the notch would have a lot of implications to the iPhone X2's features, that is why Apple is already discussing with other tech companies and manufacturers to make this plan come into fruition.

In order to apply a true all-screen design to the iPhone X2 2018, the notch would need to be removed, or at least minimzed to the point that its size is no longer noticeable. However, Apple would need to find a new spot for the components to be displaced after ditching the notch area. These include the front camera, infrared sensor for Face ID, flood illuminator, dot projector,  ambient light sensor, proximity sensor,  speaker and microphone.

Some tech experts suggest to embed the Face ID sensors right under the screen, but doing so would be very challenging. Nevertheless, Apple and other tech companies have apparently trying to make this set-up work. In fact, there was already a patent that shows the phone with drilled holes in the screen panel that hold the sensors.

Apple is reportedly launching three iPhone 2018 models in September, including the regular iPhone X2 that serves as the successor to the iPhone X. The company is also preparing for an LCD screen variant of the iPhone 2018, which according to reports will be cheaper than the iPhone 8 Plus. The particular handset is only expected to cost around $649 to $749, a few hundred dollar down from the current iPhone X price.

Aside from using LCD panel instead of OLED, the budget-friendly iPhone 2018 model could also give up a dual-lens rear camera setup to make sure that its price will not go any higher. Still, the device is expected to highlight the major features of the iPhone X, including the Face ID and a bezel-less display.