iPhone 8 release date, specs: Upcoming smartphone tipped to have dual-camera setup, three variants coming next year?

A promotional image for the iPhone 7. Apple

The iPhone 7 is just a little over two months old, yet tech fans are already on the lookout for news about Apple's 2017 flagship, the iPhone 8. This week, another round of specs rumors have circulated online, with the latest report claiming that the upcoming smartphone could have a dual-camera setup.

According to Phone Arena, well-connected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that Apple will bring a dual-camera setup to the next iPhone. It was previously rumored that the iPhone 8 will come in three models, and one of the rumored variants is said to sport two camera modules at the rear. Moreover, the Cupertino-based company is expected to redesign the telephoto lens used for the secondary camera's optical zoom emulation capabilities. The analyst's sources claim that to support OIS with the telephoto lens, Apple may have to increase the image circle of the lens, which will result to longer calibration time and a more intricate assembly process.

Kuo previously predicted that there will be three iPhone 8 models and that apart from the standard 4.7-inch main handset and the 5.5-inch Plus version, there will also be a premium version with an OLED screen. If the analyst's prediction is accurate, then this will be the first time that Apple will use an OLED display for its phones, as it has always used LCD screens for its popular handsets. There is no word on how big the premium version's screen will be, but it was speculated that it could either have a 5.1 or 5.2-inch display.

There are also reports that the iPhone 8 might have an edge-to-edge screen design and that the home button could be embedded in the display. For now, Apple is keeping mum about its plans for the upcoming handset, but it is expected that the tech giant will go all out for its 2017 flagship as next year marks the 10th anniversary of the iPhone.

Stay tuned for more news about the iPhone 8.

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