Apple’s testing of a new iPhone 8 feature could delay it’s launch

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Apple's new 'Shot on iPhone' campaign: One Night on iPhone 71:00

Apple's new "Shot on iPhone" campaign, where a group of photographers capture life from dusk to dawn using the low-light camera on iPhone 7. Courtesy: Apple

• January 31st 2017
• a month ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/Technology/

Apple CEO Tim Cook tipped to announce three iPhones in September. Picture: AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez,

THE latest rumour for iPhone is enough to strike terror in the heart of Apple fanboys — Apple could struggle to get the whiz bang tenth anniversary edition iPhone out in time for Christmas.

French news site iGeneration today reports that STMicroelectronics will be making the 3D sensors tipped to be for the iPhone 8 at its Grenoble factory giving the new flagship phone the ability to identify a user from their face.

The downside of the deal with STMicroelectronics is that production of the sensors won’t ramp up until the second half of the year.

Normally the iPhone comes out in the September, after production for the iPhone begins about July.

MORE: Apple delays AirPods release

RELATED: iPhone 8: Is Apple axing this vital part?

The next iPhone is coming, but could be delayed in its relase. Picture: APSource:AP

The STMicroelectonics news is in line with a recent report in Digitimes said this year the iPhone 8 flagship won’t begin manufacturing until September, which would put pressure on Apple to make the important pre-Christmas release time frame.

The report today in iGeneration also backs another story today in the Japanese news site Macotakara that Apple is still testing a range of prototypes for the tenth anniversary phone, that will also push final production back.

The Macotakara report suggest Apple will announce three phones in September — two that will be the traditional smaller upgrade as the iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus, and then the iPhone 8, or iPhone Edition as some are suggesting it will be called, with the radical redesign.

Like the Apple AirPods that came out a months after they were first announced last year, those wanting the flagship Apple phone this year might have to be extra patient.