At this point in time, the iPhone 8 hasn't been confirmed by Apple yet. However, rumors about the phone have been quite strong in the past months. These rumors may have slowed down in the recent weeks but it can only be because all the major details have already been leaked in the past. Although Apple may have not been the most generous when it comes to sharing information regarding the 2017 iPhone, the said smartphone may actually be special enough to be produced earlier than expected.
Apple iPhone 8 Production
As per a Techno Buffalo report, there may be signs that Apple is starting iPhone 8 production earlier than the previous years. This info is via BlueFin Research Partners as cited by Barrons. Signs do suggest earlier iPhone 8 production but this doesn't necessarily mean changes in release plans for the iPhone 8. The report says "The most intriguing data points that we have uncovered suggests that AAPL is ramping the next generation iPhones earlier than historical norms, although we have no indication that there has been any change in release plans for the iPhone 8/X." The "X" mentioned by Bluefin represents the possible iPhone 8 Plus variant that could launch along with the highly-awaited iPhone 8.
The report also says that Apple has pulled back on last year's iPhones as the manufacturing shifts to the 2017 devices. Last year's iPhones include the iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone SE. This year's alleged iPhones are expected to be comprised of two iPhone series. One of which is the above-mentioned iPhone 8 and the other is the iPhone 7S.
Apple iPhone 8 Rumors
The iPhone 8 is Apple's anniversary iPhone as it has already been ten years since the company first introduced the said smartphone brand. With that said, the iPhone 8 is one special iPhone which is probably why it needs to start production earlier than its older siblings. Rumor has it that the iPhone 8 will bring in tons of changes and improvements so it does make sense if Apple wants a head-start in production.