iPhone 8 2017: Release date, price, specs, rumours and news - Everything you need to know

iPhone 8

Apple is preparing to release its iPhone 8 next month, in what is expected to be the company's biggest smartphone launch in years.2017 marks the tenth anniversary of the original iPhone , which was first announced by Steve Jobs on 9 January 2007, and released later that year on June 29.Given the momentous occasion, rumour has it that Apple has been holding back some of its most groundbreaking features for this year's model.We've rounded up all the latest rumours and leaks, so if you're still undecided about your next phone, you'll have a good idea what Apple has in store.

iPhone 8 Release date

The iPhone 8 release date is rumoured to be the week of September 4 or September 11, 2017.

Apple traditionally releases its latest iPhones during the first two weeks of September, in good time for the start of the Christmas shopping season.

However, one report hints that Apple may break with tradition this year and launch its next flagship smartphone earlier than expected.

According to information gathered by BlueFin Research Partners and shared by Barron's Tech Trader Daily , there is "some indication" that Apple will start production of the iPhone 8 in June.

iPhone 8 Price

Apple products are not exactly known for being cheap. When the company launched its 'budget' iPhone 5c in 2013, it still cost an eye-watering £469.

But the latest reports suggest that Apple's next device will be its most expensive yet, exceeding the $1,000 (£795) mark for the first time.

The price was reportedly leaked to The Fast Company by "a source with knowledge of Apple's plans".

iPhone 8 Spec

iPhone 8

The iPhone 8 will, more than likely, feature an A11 chip, built on ARM's highly-efficient 10nm manufacturing process, and run the next version of Apple's mobile operating system, iOS 11.

It will come in 32GB, 128GB and 256GB storage options.

Wireless charging

iPhone 8 Wireless charging

Wireless charging has become a common feature of some Android smartphones - including Samsung's latest family of devices - although it is still a lot slower than wired charging methods.

Facial recognition

One of the stand-out features of Samsung's latest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S8, is facial recognition technology, allowing users to unlock their phone by simply looking at it.

Water-resistant

Apple's iPhone 7 is water-resistant to a depth of one metre for up to 30 minutes - a rating known as IP67, which is the same as the Apple Watch .

Colors

IPHONE 8 Colors

Apple's next iPhone could come in a striking "copper gold" colour, if new leaked photos are to be believed.

The pictures, shared on popular Chinese microblogging site Weibo, show what appears to be Apple's forthcoming iPhone 8 in three colours - white, jet black, and a new colour described as a "champagne gold".

AirPods

Apple AirPods

Apple's next top-of-the-range iPhone could come with an accessory worth £160 in the box.

According to a new report from analysts at JPMorgan, seen by 9to5Mac, the iPhone 8 may come bundled with a free pair of AirPods.

The wireless earphones were announced along with the iPhone 7 and went on sale just before Christmas. They currently cost £159 to buy in the Apple Store.