With Apple Inc. celebrating the 10th anniversary of the iPhone this year, the rumors are pointing to a feature-rich 2017 iPhone model.

Three iPhone models are rumored to launch in September, the slightly upgraded iPhone 7s and 7s Plus, as well as a premium iPhone 8 model.

Rumors for the iPhone 8 include an OLED, edge-to-edge display with embedded Home button and facial recognition, among others. The rumored OLED screen is looking very likely considering Apple’s latest order of 60 million OLED panels from Samsung Display Co. Ltd. This follows an order of 100 million from the manufacturer in April.  

Here’s a look at the latest rumors for the iPhone 8, including a new “function area” to replace Touch ID, an increased price tag, more details on the rumored wireless charging and facial recognition and more:

‘Function area’ to replace Touch ID

The latest rumor for the iPhone 8 of a dedicated “function area” at the bottom of the display comes from reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from KGI Securities.

Kuo says the “function area” will be in the same area as the current Home button. The new “function area” will replace Touch ID and will likely contain virtual buttons and quick actions. Kuo says the company will make up for the lack of Touch ID by introducing biometric technologies with similar functionality to Touch ID.

Usable display size: 5.15 inches

Kuo has also stated that the usable display real estate for the 5.8-inch iPhone 8 will be 5.15 inches. While the physical size of the device, according to Kuo, will be the same as the 4.7-inch iPhone 7, which points strongly to the “no-bezels” rumor as being true.

Larger battery

The battery for the iPhone 8 will also be boosted, according to Kuo, who says the upcoming iPhone will house a 2,700 mAH battery. The current iPhone 7 Plus has a 2,700 mAH battery while the iPhone 7 has a smaller 1,960 mAH battery.

Fingerprint scanner built into the display

Concept image from Handy Abovergleich

On Tuesday, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published a patent filed by Apple entitled “Interactive display panel with IR diodes.” The patent describes a touch display that will incorporate touch panels and fingerprint sensors. The technology would be able to read a fingerprint without the need for a dedicated sensor within or under the display and would rather make use of micro-LED sensing technology.

The original patent was filed by LuxVue Technology Corp., which Apple acquired in 2014.

Wireless charging

Long-running rumors have suggested that Apple will introduce wireless charging with this year’s iPhone 8. Adding fuel to the fire of possible wireless charging in the iPhone 8 was revealed last week when it was discovered that Apple has joined the Wireless Power Consortium.

Previous rumors suggested that Apple’s wireless charging would differ from competitors in that it would be possible to charge the iPhone from a distance of up to 15 feet from a plugged-in transmitter. However, in a report released last month, long-range charging is very unlikely to arrive this fall and Apple will have to stick with the same simple inductive charging offered by its competitors.

Facial recognition and augmented reality

The iPhone 8 is rumored to feature face scanning features and potentially augmented reality support thanks to the inclusion of a laser-based 3D sensor, according to Rod Hall from J.P. Morgan & Co. Inc.

Tim Cook, Chief executive officer of Apple, has also sparked rumors about the possible inclusion of AR in the iPhone 8. Early this week, Cook said that AR is a “big idea like the smartphone” and sees it as a key software component that would be able to enhance hardware.  

Glass and steel chassis

The 2017 iPhone’s body is rumored to be made up of two reinforced glass panels on the front and back, held together by a stainless steel frame.

This glass and steel chassis, however, will be reserved for the premium iPhone 8 while rumors suggest the slightly upgraded iPhone 7s and 7s Plus will stick with the current aluminum alloy chassis.

Hefty $1,000 price tag

With all these great, rumored, features the iPhone 8 comes with a rumored hefty price tag of over $1,000. The higher price tag isn’t much of a stretch from the current top-of-the-range 256GB iPhone 7 Plus that comes in at $969.  

Concept images from Handy Abovergleich