Exactly a decade after Apple released the first iPhone in 2007, the Silicon Valley technology giant is slated to unveil later this year's much-hyped 10th-year-anniversary offering—the iPhone 8. But despite the eager members of the Apple fandom beating the drum for the smartphone, critics and tech journalists have not been very content with the phone in terms of its ability and marketability.
Firstly, the iPhone 8 price reportedly starts at US$1,200, making it the most expensive in its line during launch. Hitting the four digit threshold, Apple's next-generation smartphone costs nearly as much as the cheapest fresh off-the-shelf MacBook. But is it worth it? Take a look at the specifications:
The iPhone 8 is expected to pioneer an OLED screen among its siblings. Unfortunately, Apple is reportedly running out of OLED screens as its partner supplier Samsung Electronics cannot meet its demands. Remember that Samsung is also using OLED screens for its Galaxy phones. Earlier this month, Apple is said to have forged a US$2.6b deal with LG Display to produce its OLED needs.
While it is currently relying on Samsung, the shortage in OLED screen production could mean Apple might be forcing Samsung to meet its needs. This could mean Samsung might demand more dollars from Apple for pressing them hard, and in return, Apple will offset the cost by raising the market value of the iPhone 8.
But is OLED enough to convince the market that the iPhone 8 is worth every cent? Barclays analyst Mark Moskowitz said it is hard for him to decipher the "incremental benefits" of OLED screens that would inspire the customer to click that proceed-to-checkout button.
The notorious KGI analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, is convinced in every sense of the word that Apple is having troubles with the iPhone 8's hardware components, predicting that the device will begin seeing itself on the run by 2018. Apple's troubles have been widespread in the rumour mill lately, including that it is still unsettled with its onscreen fingerprint scanner technology, a banner feature that is supposed to sit alongside the OLED screen.
Regarding the company's production issues for the iPhone 8, Apple is not letting the cat out of the bag in usual Apple demeanour.
