Pair of videos purport to show 'iPhone 8' rear enclosure on Foxconn production lines

By Mike Wuerthele

Two videos published on Chinese social media depict workers polishing the enclosure of what appears to be the "iPhone 8," as well as a a rack to allow air circulation around the parts without human contact, or stacking.

The videos were spotted on Benjamin Geskin's Twitter feed. The authenticity of the production line cannot be determined -- there are no clear Foxconn logos on the uniforms, or any other distinguishing markings known to be the iPhone manufacturer's livery.

The videos show devices prior to application of the Apple logo, and other details on the back of the phone. At present, other than knockoff devices, there are no smartphones with a dual-lens vertical opening shipping, but that does not preclude what's being shown in the videos from being a future product from another vendor, or as mentioned, a faked enclosure.

The videos appear to have been first posted on Weibo -- but by different users.

The "iPhone 8" is predicted to have edge-to-edge OLED display with 5.15 inches of user space and a higher resolution than the iPhone 7 Plus at 2,436 by 1,125 pixels. Facial recognition technology rumored to be in the device may replace Touch ID -- but the rumor mill has conflicting information on that.

Predictions have ranged between Apple could charge a starting price of around $1000 and as much as $1200 for the starting cost of the iPhone 8.