In a new research note obtained by AppleInsider today, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has claimed that Apple’s 10th anniversary edition ‘iPhone 8’ will launch on the same day as the “iPhone 7s” and “iPhone 7s Plus” in limited quantities, and will come in black, silver and gold colors. Kuo, who has a solid track record in predicting Apple’s future product plans, added that the flagship ‘iPhone 8’ will enter mass production in September.
The analyst said that all three new iPhones will be announced the same day in September, and will share the same launch date as well. However, he highlighted that the ‘iPhone 8’ will be in extremely short supply at launch, with the supply chain expected to produce only 2 to 4 million units this quarter.
He continued that all of the new iPhone models will support fast charging. However, consumers may have to opt to spend extra on a Lighting-to-USB-C cable and wall adapter to utilize it.
The analyst revealed that both the “iPhone 7s” and “iPhone 7s Plus” are already in mass production. Interestingly, he suggested the “7s” models will also come in the same three colors. It is not clear why Apple would scale back on color options with the same design and materials. Meanwhile, the “iPhone 8” is expected to enter the product verification test phase in late August, before mass production begins in mid-September.
The reports would suggest that Apple was able to alleviate any supply chain concerns it faced prior. Previously, reports suggested the handset might not launch until October or November, later than the usual September launch timeframe.
Kuo expects that production of the ‘iPhone 8’, which some have taken to calling an “iPhone Pro”, will ramp up quickly reaching between 45 million and 50 million units this year.
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An iPhone SE upgrade looking pretty unlikely at this point? Been sitting getting a new phone in anticipation….
I can see them updating it quietly before years end. If not then, early next year. I wouldn’t expect a big presentation though.
I’m literally ignoring all articles about low production rate and fingerprint information… starting now.