Anker bets on designs for Apple's 'iPhone 8,' 'iPhone 7s' & '7s Plus' with new cases

A well-known accessory maker, Anker, has announced a series of cases for Apple's "iPhone 8," "7s," and "7s Plus," even though the anticipated devices are still weeks away from being revealed.

For the "iPhone 8," the new Karapax-series cases include a cutout for a vertically-aligned, dual-lens camera system. The "7s" and "7s Plus" models are also meant to fit the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus — the "7s" at least may be slightly larger than its predecessor, but perhaps not enough to warrant a separate case design.

A number of other casemakers are gambling on the "iPhone 8's" design, hoping to beat the competition to market. The firms are presumably relying on a mix of rumors and leaks from clandestine sources, since any companies with official Apple schematics would be under strict non-disclosure agreements.

Apple should announce all three new phones at an event next month. The "iPhone 8" is expected to feature a 5.8-inch OLED display, 3D facial recognition, a "smart" camera, and an assortment of smaller upgrades like wireless charging. The "7s" and "7s Plus" should have 4.7- and 5.5-inch LCDs, but include some of the "8's" upgrades, like the "A11."

The devices could ship at roughly the same time, even if mass production of the "8" might not start until mid-September — something that would leave very few units on sale.