As the expected September launch date of Apple Inc.’s latest flagship creeps closer, so too does the influx of speculation relating to new features, color options, shipment delays and more.

As rumors have suggested for months, Apple will launch three models of its new flagships, the standard iPhone 7s and 7s Plus we would normally expect to see, as well as a premium Organic Light Emitting Diode device, currently being referred to as the iPhone 8.

The latest rumors come from renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, whose latest report states all three models will launch next month, but the iPhone 8 will be available only in limited quantities. All three models are also expected to be limited to three color choices and all will support fast charging.

All models to launch next month, limited quantities of iPhone 8

Despite concerns that the iPhone 8 would be delayed and wouldn’t launch with the other two models, these rumors have been refuted by Kuo. The iPhone 8 is set to enter mass production mid-September and will launch alongside the iPhone 7s and 7s Plus, according to Kuo.

Despite all three models launching on the same date, it could be awhile before potential customers get their hands on the premium iPhone 8. Kuo predicts there will be between two million and four million OLED units available in the third quarter of 2017, with production not increasing significantly before the fourth quarter and possible persisting into the first quarter of 2018.

Image shows how the iPhone 8 (middle) will compare in size to the iPhone 7s and 7s Plus via iDropNews

While this is a more positive scenario compared with previous reports that suggested the iPhone 8 launch would be delayed until October or November, it could still mean that Apple misses out on the festive season.

In the third quarter of 2016, the newly launched iPhone 7 and 7 Plus accounted for 25 million of the 41 million iPhones sold during that period. Apple went on to sell an additional 45 million iPhones in the following quarter. Delays in the OLED version could have a significant impact on sales figures this year.

Three color options

Although previous rumors have suggested a limited color range for the iPhone 8, Kuo has stated that the limited color range will also apply to the iPhone 7s and 7s Plus.

According to Kuo, all three models will only be available in silver, black and gold. This coincides with the dummy model leak earlier this week, which showed the black and silver options, as well as a third option that looks more copper than gold. If these rumors do pan out it would mean the end of the rose gold and various black color options.

Fast charging for all

All three models will also get fast charging, but this could come at an additional cost for consumers. Kuo warns that consumers may be required to purchase a Type-C power adapter to enable faster charging.

Other rumors have suggested that the additional Type-C power adapter will only be required for the iPhone 7s and 7s Plus.

Front panel of the iPhone 8 via SlashLeaks

Display

The latest leaked photos (right) of the supposed iPhone 8, in addition to incredibly slim bezels, show additional cameras and sensors. The current iPhone has a lone FaceTime camera on the front, but the iPhone 8 is rumored to replace Touch ID with facial recognition. The facial recognition technology will be able to work if the phone is lying flat on a table and using infrared sensors would still be able to identify users in low-light or dark environments.   

SmartCam

A developer has discovered code in the beta software for Apple’s upcoming HomePod smart speaker, accidentally released by the company, which points to a new camera feature for the iPhone 8.

Called SmartCam, the feature would allow the iPhone 8’s camera to intelligently change camera settings based on the scene that it detects. The code references scenes like Baby, Bright Stage, Document, Fireworks, Foliage Pets, Sky, Snow, Sports and Sunset/Sunrise.

Image: iphonedigital; Flickr