It has only been barely a couple of weeks since this year’s iPhone models -- the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus -- but rumors about next year’s iPhone offering (nicknamed the iPhone 8) are already starting to surface. According to a report published by the Business Insider, Apple appears to be already commencing development of hardware to be used for the next iPhone generation. The development is reportedly being done in an Apple office located in the city of Herzliya in Israel.
As indicated by the Business Insider’s source, next year’s iPhone will sport a brand new look, which as suggested by rumors (thanks to MacRumors), will feature a display screen that spans from one edge to another, a body made of ceramic material, and enhanced camera specifications. This latest rumor also contributes to the idea that Apple may be changing its approach when it comes to naming its smartphone devices from here on. Based on past releases, next year’s model should be called the iPhone 7s, which should continue Apple’s habit of releasing an “S” offering that usually comes with minor improvements, especially with regards to software. But considering that 2017 will mark the year in which the iPhone will turn a decade old, it is highly likely that Apple will not be content with just releasing an “S” model.
Of course, given Apple’s exemplary record in keeping things under wraps until the official announcement event (likely happening in September of next year), we may never know for sure, at least until one year from now. Still, there is speculation that instead of adopting the iPhone 8 name, next year’s model might be called the iPhone X or the iPhone Anniversary.
Apple had first set up its office in Herzliya around four years ago, and is now employing 800 personnel. The establishment of the facility was a result of the iPhone maker’s acquisition of a couple of Israeli startups -- Anobit (which specializes in the design of flash memory devices) in 2012 and PrimeSense (a developer of 3D sensor technology) in 2013. Apple also has since bought another Israel based tech firm, LinX, which specializes in camera tech.
The Herzliya office is said to be Apple’s sort of research and development center where it continues to develop hardware like processors, storage devices, camera components, and other mobile related technologies. Last year, it was even reported by The Times of Israel that Tim Cook, the chief executive officer of Apple, had stated that its facility in Herzliya was its second biggest R&D center in the world.
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https://www.wirefly.com/blog/news/report-apple-already-busy-developing-hardware-next-year-s-iphone