Want An iPhone 8 Premium Edition? Be Prepared To Wait

Apr 12, 2017 09:29 AM EDT

You are now mulling over the possible smartphone that you would like to get to replace the ageing handset in your pocket. Do you go for the tried and tested in the form of the released handsets such as the Samsung Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8+, or pick up its rival, the LG G6? How about the upcoming iPhone 8? Will the iPhone 8 be able to wow the masses with it being the 10th anniversary handset as well? After all, Apple would surely not let such an event slide by them without making sure that the upcoming iPhone 8 changes the way we use smartphones -- just like how the very first iPhone did a decade ago as Steve Jobs strutted on the stage and unveiling this handset with aplomb.

For those who prefer to ditch the Android bandwagon and stick to the iPhone 8, you have to be prepared to do one thing -- wait. Patience will certainly be a virtue that will be in great demand, if what Drexel Hamilton analyst Brian White says is true. White issued a note to investors late last week, citing that his firm has good reason to believe that Apple’s upcoming 5.8-inch iPhone 8 will not arrive this September, so be prepared to wait beyond that. The iPhone 8 is touted to be the most expensive among all of the new iPhones ever released, and it would not be surprising at all to see it pass the $1,000 price point.

White mentioned in a note, "First off, our smartphone contact believes the 3-D sensing technology and OLED displays will only be offered with the 5.8-inch iPhone 8. However, our contact strongly believes the 5.8-inch iPhone will be delayed by several weeks due to challenges around the 3-D sensing technology but still in time for the December holidays."

This particular note does jive with whispers and rumors of the iPhone 8 concerning the use of 3D sensors that are set to bring augmented reality (AR) to a whole new level of use among consumers. Apart from that, Apple’s supply chain is also said to have issued a report that there will be a delay in the iPhone 8’s release because of similar issues.

This does not mean that pre-orders are out of the question. On the contrary, we will most probably see iPhone 8 pre-orders be off the charts with unprecedented numbers, owing to the fact that this will be the 10th anniversary of the iPhone. There ought to be another two iPhone 8 models that arrive in 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch form factors, and these ought to debut in September like normal. However, the high end 5.8-inch model that we are talking about should be delayed, and hence, you might have to wait until the end of the year before being able to pick up the iPhone 8 Premium Edition.

It would be folly for Apple to skip the December holiday season by holding back all three models of the iPhone 8, as that is when folks are more than willing to splurge for gifts to their family and friends.