iPhone 8 release: Apple Store DOWN ahead of iPhone X launch event
THE Apple Store is down ahead of the iPhone 8 launch event later today, hinting that new products are on their way.
New iPhone set to feature face recognition to unlock phone
Apple has taken its store offline ahead of today’s iPhone 8 launch event as of 4am PT / 12pm BST today.
Customers who try to visit the site reach a blank page with the message: “We’ll be back.
“We’re busy updating the Apple Store for you. Please check back soon.”
The store usually closes its virtual doors when Apple is about to release a new product.
CEO Tim Cook is expected to announce a new iPhone 8 as well as a premium iPhone X today at 10am PT / 6pm BST.
The iPhone X name was revealed by tipster Evan Blass, and is said to feature an edge-to-edge display, doing away with the bezel and home button.
The new phone will also include wireless charging, 3D facial recognition and a vertically-stacked dual-camera.
An Animoji feature will allow users to create moving emojis which mimic their own facial expressions.
The Apple Store has been taken down ahead of the iPhone 8 launch event
Apple is expected to announce an iPhone 8, iPhone X and iPhone 8 Plus (L-R)
Most reports indicate that Apple will release three new phones: the iPhone X, the iPhone 8 and the iPhone 8 Plus.
The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus are said to be more iterative updates to the 7 and 7 Plus which retain the current design while adding faster processors and wireless charging.
Analysts predict that the premium iPhone X will cost $999 (£756) for the cheapest 64GB model, rising to $1099 (£832) for a 256GB version and $1199 (£907) for a model with 512GB storage.
Apple is also expected to announce the Apple Watch Series 3, which will bring 4G connectivity to the wearable for the first time.
Updated AirPods are also expected, along with a refreshed Apple TV capable of streaming 4K content.
The Apple Store is down ahead of the iPhone 8 launch