The price of the feature rich and upcoming iPhone 8 has been a debatable topic for a long time. While some say that the next generation iPhone will be priced below $1000, others are have the view that the iPhone 8 will cross the $1,000 mark with its full frontal display and rumored 3D facial scanning technology. Global financial services firm Morgan Stanley’s recent report favors the latter view of the iPhone 8 crossing the $1,000 price mark. In its latest report to its clients, the international firm stated that one can expect delay in the launch of iPhone 8 to the first half of 2018.
Apart from that, the firm also expects the iPhone to cost more than its predecessors owing to its higher production costs. Jp Morgan’s Rod Hall is in agreement with the firm and also notes that the handset will cost $1100.
iPhone 8 price to increase more than $1,000?
Morgan Stanley’s analysts state that the higher costs of production for the device has inadvertently increased the likely normal retail price of the smartphone by $100, making it come to $1,100. The firm further stated that it will be keeping its December price target of $165. Katy Huberty, a Morgan Stanley analyst, has further stated that one can expected the handset to be delayed due to issues with the manufacturing of the camera and screen of the device.
Touch ID placement can also cause delay
The other hurdle that has been causing a considerable amount of delay in the mass production of the iPhone 8 is the placement of its Touch ID. As of yet, there are no confirmed reports as to where the Cupertino-based company has decided to put the fingerprint scanner. According to rumors and analyst predictions, Apple is considering three possibilities.
The initial plan of the company was to place the Touch ID underneath the frontal display, which would have allowed the smartphone to have edge-to-edge screen from all sides. However, reports soon started pouring in depicting the struggle of Apple to perfect the technology.
The second option was to place the fingerprint scanner on the rear panel of the iPhone 8.
However, the consumer response towards that placement was negative, which may prompt Apple to not incorporate it in the smartphone. The third and the most recent possibility was to eliminate the Touch ID completely and instead integrate a 3D facial scanning camera which would use facial recognition technology to unlock the smartphone.
However, there has been disagreement amongst the analysts as well. Rod Hall from J.P. Morgan states that the iPhone 8 will launch as scheduled. Initially, it would be available in the market in smaller quantities. However by late October and early November, Apple will speed up the mass production of the iPhone 8, says the analyst. Although he disagreed on the timing of the launch with Morgan Stanley, Rod agreed that the iPhone 8 may cost $1,100 per piece.
