As rumors continue to circulate over the design of the iPhone 8, one rumor that has been confirmed is the release of the latest operating system for the iPhone and iPad. iOS 11 promises new features including augmented reality. Although the latest release of Apple's flagship product is on schedule, many buyers probably won't get the chance to scoop up the latest release.

Will the iPhone 8 become available this year?

BGR reported that although the iPhone 8 is meeting its Production Schedule, there won't be any devices available at launch. Apple is only releasing 13 million units during the launch, and buyers may not be able to get a device before Christmas.

The availability of the phone may improve around October. Apple is adopting OLED screens for all its future phones, which may contribute to the growth of sales. Although enough iPhones may not be available, at least at launch, Apple is stocking up on parts to satisfy the demand for OLED phones, which may explain why enough devices won't be available.

Will the fingerprint sensor become part of the power button?

Mix96 reported that the new fingerprint scanner may be found in a new spot. A June 13 report released by Patently Apple said that Apple had applied for 68 different new patents, and the touch ID button might be moving to a spot more familiar to iPhone users. Back during the days of iPhone 4, the power button was in the upper right hand corner.

It was later moved to the right side. If the mock ups are true, then the power button may be returning to its original spot and it will include a built-in scanner.

The Daily Mail UK reported that an Apple patent revealed the plans to move the Touch ID.

The power button is shown sitting at the top of the drawings for the patent. The sensor sits on top while a cover layer made of either glass or sapphire lies underneath. Users will be required to roll their finger over the sensor, which would be thinner. The top speculation for the iPhone from the beginning has been that the screen would be an edge-to-edge screen.

Conflicting reports surfaced over the location of where the Touch ID would be located. Both Apple experts and leakers argued that the touch sensor would be placed underneath the display. Others suggested that the sensor would be placed on the back of the device below the iPhone's logo. The answer came in December 2016 when Apple filed a patent called "Finger biometric sensor assembly including direct bonding interface and related methods." Apple explained in the patent that the biometric sensor would be placed in the "pushbutton," which is used to turn the device on and off.
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