Apple Is Releasing Only 2 iPhone 8 Models Similar To iPhone 7, 7 Plus, Source Claims

Just a day after it was reported that Apple is planning to release three iPhone 8 models next year, an insider has now come out to quash such claim and insist that the Cupertino giant is keeping its tradition of launching only a standard 4.7-inch model and a 5.5-inch Plus variant.

According to Appleinsider, a source has revealed that Apple is sticking with its established iPhone size variants, so it is unlikely for a 5-inch version to pop up during the company's big launch event for the 10th anniversary iPhones next year.

The Apple-centric news site says its insider has already provided accurate information about the tech company’s products in the past, suggesting that the informant is reliable in giving details about Apple’s plans.

Should Apple stick with releasing only 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhones next year, it would mean that the company is following the trend it started in 2014 when it launched the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. This year, it debuted the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Instead of releasing an iPhone 7s and an iPhone 7s Plus in 2017, however, Samsung’s biggest rival is believed to be skipping these two in favor of the iPhone 8 and the iPhone 8 Plus.

The insider has shared that Apple is already in the process of testing early prototypes and one of them has a “glass sandwich” chassis — a design that makes use of glass both in front and on the back of the device. Though this corroborates previous rumors, nothing is set in stone as of this time. Thus, Apple is also trying out other fallback designs.

The statements of AppleInsider’s tipster come just a day after Nikkei Asian Review exclusively reported that Apple has plans of releasing three iPhone 8 models. The Asian publication even cited an unnamed industry source who claimed that the 4.7-inch, 5-inch and 5.5-inch iPhones would sport glass backs in lieu of the usual metal casings.

Nikkei’s source also stated that the glass covers for the backs of the iPhone 8 models will be supplied by Biel and Lens. The source added that metal frames would be used to hold together the glass panels for the front and the back of the new smartphones.