Tech

One of the biggest rumors about the iPhone 8's design is becoming less and less true

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The initial curved screen "iPhone 8" rumors came from a November 2016 report from the Wall Street Journal, which claimed that Apple had 10 prototypes of the high-end iPhone, some of which had a curved screen design.

Now, it's looking more and more like Apple took the flat-screen route for the premium iPhone 8, or iPhone Edition, which will be Apple's way of celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the iPhone. 

iPhone 8 Concept
A concept of the iPhone 8's curved screen.  YouTube/iVenyaWay

Most recently, a fresh report from MacRumors, citing "multiple people familiar with the matter," claims the iPhone 8 will have a flat screen with gentle curves around the edges. From the description, it sounds similar to the current iPhone 7's gently curved screen design.

MacRumors' report is another nail in the coffin for the curved screen rumor. Several recent reports are dispelling the rumors that Apple's upcoming high-end iPhone will come with a curved display.

iPhone 7 and iphone 7 plus
The iPhone 7 with a flat screen with gentle curves.  Hollis Johnson/Business Insider

The rumors about curved edges on the iPhone 8 were exciting, as they inferred that it would look significantly different than the iPhone 7, which looks essentially identical to the iPhone 6 and 6s. And, even though it was rumored that the iPhone 8's curved edges wouldn't add much functionality, it could still make for a stunning design.

Indeed, the Galaxy S7 Edge's curved edges makes the phone stand out, and it's arguably the most beautifully designed smartphone you can buy. 

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
Flickr/Răzvan Băltărețu

Still, other rumors about the iPhone 8's design claim it'll have a glass back, which is a departure from the metal back design of the iPhone 5 onwards, and a nostalgic return to the iPhone 4's design.

iphone 4 back
YouTube/PhoneArena

Apart from the curved edges, MacRumors' report also supports the claims that the iPhone will have a large 5.8-inch screen. So far, the high-end iPhone has been rumored to come with a 5.1, 5.5, or 5.8-inch screen.

Either way, as reliable as the rumor sources are, we won't know for sure what Apple's upcoming high-end iPhone will look like. Even its existence is a rumor. We're waiting for Apple's annual September iPhone event to get the final details.

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Antonio Villas-Boas was a consumer tech expert with over a decade of experience testing and reviewing smartphones, tablets, computers, smartwatches, and phone carriers.ExperienceAntonio joined the Business Insider team in 2015 as a tech reporter on the news desk and moved to the service journalism team in 2020. During his time as Business Insider’s senior tech reporter, Antonio developed industry-leading battery-life tests for smartphones and tablets, and covered and reviewed hundreds (if not thousands) of products from major brands like Apple, Google, Samsung, and OnePlus since as far back as Samsung’s Galaxy S6, the original Apple Watch, and the very first Google Pixel. This decade-plus of experience has given him tremendous insights into what consumer tech truly stands the test of time and what will be irrelevant in just a few years' time (RIP The Pebble).Antonio is also an experienced deal hunter, surfacing the best discounts on phones, laptops, and smartwatches for readers during sale events like Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Previously, Antonio was a consumer-electronics analyst at PCMag and ran his own blog. Why you can trust AntonioAntonio approaches all his reviews not only as a tech expert but as a consumer himself. He reads every word of fine print in the phone carrier plans he reviews, and is deeply skeptical of deals that promise you the latest iPhone model for free. (Spoiler: it might be “free,” but you could be stuck with it for three years.)He largely recommends less expensive and small-scale fixes to upgrade your existing tech before considering buying the latest and flashiest in new tech. Antonio believes his role as the go-to “tech guy” for his family and friends extends to his readers as well; he only recommends products that have stood up to the testing process.Scripps News, NewsNation, Fox 5 DC, NBC LX, and Rich DeMuro’s “Rich On Tech” radio show have requested his commentary and expertise. ExpertiseHis expertise includes:
  • Phones, including the iPhone, Google Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy models
  • Phone accessories, including charging cables, phone cases, and protection plans
  • Smartwatches, including the Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch, Pixel Watch
  • Mobile carrier plans, including major carriers and MVNOs
  • Tablets, including iPads and Galaxy Tabs
  • Laptops and computers, including MacBooks and Windows models
  • Computer accessories, including mice, keyboards, and monitors
EducationAntonio graduated from Colgate University in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in history.Outside of workBesides testing tech products, Antonio is also a full time dad to two young kids. His ideal day would be spent on a lake in the Adirondacks.Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.Learn more about how we test tech and electronics.