Apple reportedly locks in launch date for iPhone 8

THE launch date for Apple’s iPhone 8 has reportedly been locked in, as speculation builds around the number of phones being revealed.

TECHNOLOGY giant Apple has confirmed its worst kept secret: it will launch new iPhones on September 12.

The event is expected to deliver the biggest iPhone redesign in years, and will also be the first event held in the company’s expansive and spaceship-shaped Apple Park campus in Cupertino.

Invitations sent in the United States overnight show the iPhone launch will be aptly staged in Steve Jobs Theater, named after the company’s famous co-founder who launched the iPhone as “one more thing” 10 years ago.

Mock-ups of what Apple’s new iPhone could look like. Picture: Benjamin Geskin/Twitter

Apple has been widely rumoured to launch as many as three new handsets at its iPhone anniversary event, including a redesigned hero model that could even forgo a Home button for the first time.

The new-look iPhone 8 could also feature a significantly larger, edge-to-edge screen, a 3D face-scanner for security, and a wireless charging feature, leading some analysts to tip the removal of the iPhone charging port entirely.

MORE: Why fingerprints might be passe in the new iPhone

The new iPhone 8. Picture: Benjamin Geskin / Twitter

Naturally, this top-model iPhone might also come with a significantly higher price.

Apple’s other two iPhones are expected to be updates to the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.

The company is also likely to launch its new iOS 11 software for phones and tablets at the event, along with updates for the Apple Watch and Apple TV.

Some of the rumoured additions to Apple’s upcoming iPhone. Picture: Benjamin Geskin / Twitter

The Apple Watch has been forecast to receive its own mobile phone network connection by some analysts, and a 4K version of the Apple TV has been rumoured for some time, though it’s unclear whether either will be ready to premiere at this event.

Apple’s new smartphones will go head-to-head with Samsung’s new flagship smartphone, the Galaxy Note 8, that launches in Australia on September 22, and new competition from the arrival of OnePlus 5 phone in Australia.

Then and now: the original Apple iPhone compared to the iPhone 7. Picture: Supplied

Potential iPhone buyers should be able to stream video from the event if they’re willing to stay up late or get up seriously early. The event will be held at 3am on September 13 in Australia, and Apple is already encouraging users to mark their calendars.

Originally published as Apple reportedly locks in launch date for iPhone 8