iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus


The iPhone 8 looks to be a significant refresh of the iPhone 6/6s/7 platform. Retaining the same basic design except for a new glass back, the iPhone 8 adds many core functions of the new flagship iPhone X.

The new glass back allows for wireless charging using Qi industry standard. Apple also previewed its own charging dock that is expected next year. Apple also said the glass is 50% stronger than the previous iPhone.

The iPhone 8/8 Plus features the new A11 Bionic processor, which offers 25% faster CPU speeds and 30% faster GPU over the iPhone 7.

Also new are cameras that offer 83% more light sensitivity. The rear camera also now supports 4K video at 60 fps, where the iPhone 7 was limited to 30 fps at 4K.

The augmented reality demos were pretty cool, especially the non-gaming demos. We say constellations overlaid the camera image looking at the sky. Also, a baseball game that overlaid player info over images of them in the field. Games were nifty too, but I think every-day stuff is more compelling. Apple said the new camera and hardware are designed to drive performance for these AR features.

The iPhone 8 goes on sale 9/15 and available beginning 9/22. Pricing is $699 and $849 for the iPhone 8 64GB and 256GB models. The iPhone 8 Plus is $100 more for $799 and $949. This is a slight tweak over last year's new model pricing, giving a little more storage space for the money, but with a higher entry price.