The 2017 iPhone Could Cost Upwards of $1,000

[MacRumors]

Apple's 2017 iPhone, which is expected to feature premium parts and radical design changes, could cost "north of $1,000," reports Fast Company, citing a source with "knowledge of Apple's plans."

Rumors suggest the upcoming iPhone, which may be called the iPhone 8, will feature an OLED display that's more expensive than traditional LED displays. Other improvements, such as an increase in memory and wireless charging functionality may also drive up the price. It's not hard to imagine the iPhone hitting that price point when the 256GB iPhone 7 Plus is already at $969 in the United States, and previous rumors have also suggested it will be a "premium" device.

Fast Company's source also confirms some iPhone 8 design rumors, describing the device as "something like a smooth black monolith, with few visual interruptions to its sleek design." That jibes with rumors indicating Apple design chief Jony Ive has been aiming for an iPhone that looks like a single sheet of glass with the Home button and Touch ID fingerprint sensor located under the display.

iPhone 8 concept image via Thadeu Brandão​

The Home button technology is still "evolving" according to Fast Company's source, but Apple's goal is to get it done in time for inclusion in the iPhone 8. Physical buttons, such as the volume button, power button, and mute switch could also be eliminated, a rumor we haven't heard before, and the iPhone 8 is said to include a "far bigger battery."

The source also claims Apple is working with Lumentum to develop 3D sensing technology that will be used in the device, but did not provide details on how the feature will be used.

It remains unclear how the technology will be applied, however. It could be used to recognize the user's face for authentication. It could also be used in the camera to provide better image resolution. It could even be used in some form of augmented reality application, according to our source.

The iPhone 8 is expected to include a glass body with a stainless steel frame for durability, and while Fast Company suggests the display will measure in at 5.8 inches, rumors disagree on this point. We've heard everything from 5 inches to 5.8-inches and don't yet have a clear picture on sizing.

With Apple likely planning to position the new OLED iPhone as a high-end premium device with a premium price tag, the company is also rumored to be planning to introduce two more affordable devices with LCD displays that are closer in design to the existing iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, measuring in at 4.7 and 5.5-inches.

These two devices may feature similar design changes, such as a glass body, but will have pared down features like an LCD display to keep the price down.

With such major changes expected for the 2017 iPhone, which marks the 10th anniversary of the device, rumors have been running rampant for months, making it hard to suss out some of the exact specifications of the device, including display design, screen size, and wireless charging functionality.

As we creep closer to September and start to see the first part leaks, we can expect to have a much clearer picture of what to expect from the first significant iPhone redesign since 2014.

Article Link: The 2017 iPhone Could Cost Upwards of $1,000

 

[Appleaker]

Of course it will be, Tim Cooks still CEO.

But I hope they add more for the price such as higher storage or possibly included AirPods. It's guaranteed to come with a USB-C power adapter.

 

[usarioclave]

The iPhone 8 Edition Edition.

 

[Michaelgtrusa]

Cost that much now.

 

[BeefCake 15]

iPhones will cost the same as Macs eventually...

 

[jclardy]

Hmm, this sounds like something Tim Cook's Apple would do. iPad Pro -> more expensive iPad. MacBook, MacBook Pro, both more expensive than their predecessors. They don't want to sell more anymore, just make everything more expensive and increase margins.

 

[Born Again]

Someone has to pay for that spaceship.

 

[aaronhead14]

Absolutely ridiculous. No phone should cost that much, regardless of how "premium" it is.

 

[btrach144]

Tim Cook has lost his mind. The iPhone is already one of the most expensive devices out there!

 

[newdeal]

don't worry they will release a cheaper version without all the fancy features that is more like an iPhone 7S. Then if you want to newest it will be more expensive but of course supplies will be constrained due to poor yields on displays

 

[schmani]

Strange.. my old 4S was made from glass and stainless steel as well

 

[jdclifford]

Of course it will be, Tim Cooks still CEO.

It would be suicidal for Apple to cross $1,000 price point especially if just a spec jump and AMOLED screen. My guess max price $999. Still way too expensive for most people.

 

[needfx]

both arms and a leg?

 

[yaxomoxay]

They can keep it.

 

[farewelwilliams]

i think there's been a translation error from earlier rumors. glass body -> means metallic glass body

 

[MH01]

I'm out .

iPhone 6S will last me a few years, and the top spec I buy is north of £1000 with AppleCare now. Too damn expansive .

 

[JGIGS]

Great so it will cost like 10,000 Canadian. Ok slight exaggeration but definitely $1500 ugh. Of course we also can't get a full spec iphone in a smaller foot print which is also annoying.

 

[webbuzz]

Might have to buy a 7 Plus after all.

 

[bjjp2]

"Jibes," not "jives." Just sayin'

 

[macfacts]

This is Apple copying Samsung. Samsung has three flagships and Apple is releasing 3 flagships to increase the AVG selling price of iPhones.

 

[A MacBook lover]

These comments, lol.


I would buy a more expensive iPhone, if it's amazing

 

[Born Again]

The pricing made sense 10 years ago but today no.

The first one: is a widescreen iPod with touch controls. (can be bought for $99 these days)

The second: is a revolutionary mobile phone. (can buy a smart phone for under $99 these days)

And the third is a breakthrough Internet communications device. (isn't that the same as the 2nd?)

Do you get it guys?! This is one device. And we are calling it iPhone. Today, Apple is going to reinvent the phone. (overpriced by today's standard)

 

[LoveToMacRumors]

Will Apple accept my kidney as payment?

 

[ThisBougieLife]

The only thing I'm worried about is having an OLED display on the iPhone is going to make my other devices' displays look crappy by comparison

I want all-OLED across the board soon

 

[facemeat]

Pricing aside, a shame if the new premium iPhone would be limited to the 5.8inch size. Not interested in such a big phone, a shame if the OLED and new body wouldn't be available for the 4.7 inch model.