Reports claim Apple is ready to ditch the Lightning connecter from the next iPhone, replacing it with a new USB-C port

Just as the world begins to settle down from the introduction of the Lightning connecter, The Wall Street Journal has reported that Apple is ready to ditch the now main-stream connecter from the next iPhone, replacing it with a new USB-C port; claiming that the company’s next-generation device will feature a large curved OLED display, losing the Home/Touch ID button in favour of a new touch screen function area.

Referring to the iPhone as the ’10th Anniversary Edition’, it’s unclear how Apple will market this years release. While this is the first we’ve heard about Apple replacing the Lightning connecter with USB-C, the Wall Street Journal’s track record means it is probably very likely to be on the cards. – In November The Apple Post reported that Apple is said to be internally testing over 10 iPhone 8 prototypes. Previously, The WSJ noted that Apple had been approaching their main manufacturing partners, asking them to produce “thinner organic light emitting displays” that produce a sharper resolution than Samsung smartphones to help differentiate the two competing handsets. It’s widely speculated Apple will adopt OLED screen technology for at least one of this years iPhone releases, with Apple contracting Samsung to produce over 160 million OLED panels in a deal worth $4.3 billion.

So far it’s widely expected that Apple will use a near-bezel-free design for the iPhone 8 later this year and while some have suggested Apple will introduce facial recognition capabilities to the device, it seems unlikely Apple will totally remove the fingerprint authentication system (Touch ID) in favour of this new technology. On Tuesday, Apple was granted a patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office which was first applied for in 2015, securing a way to eliminate a separate Touch ID sensor into the screen of an iOS device.

Analysts are predicting that the iPhone 8 will outsell the iPhone 6, with many users holding off on upgrading as anticipation for this years iPhone release is bigger than ever. – It’s believed Apple is planning a new design for the 2017 iPhone lineup that will ditch the aluminium body of the current models in exchange for an all-glass design with metal only around the edge of the device.

Apple is said to have “at least five different groups” working on wireless charging technology for future devices. https://t.co/6hW6Zw21Ih

— The Apple Post (@TheApplePost) 25 February 2017