IT’S set to be a big year for Apple fans, because this year marks the 10th anniversary of the first iPhone.

This means the tech giant is likely to be planning a HUGE release to mark this historic occasion, with rumours swirling over new features like a 3D camera.

The tech world is already lighting up with gossip about the upcoming iPhone 8

As always, Apple has been tight-lipped about its gadgets but that hasn’t stopped rumours from swirling.

We’ve collected together some of the iGossip, although we can’t verify all the info at this stage.

When will the iPhone 8 be released?

Apple had been expected expected to release the iPhone 8 in September 2017, in keeping with its annual autumn launch of major new products.

In 2016 the iPhone 7 was launched on 16 September, so a similar mid-September date seemed most likely.

Nothing has been confirmed, but Apple tends to stick to the same schedule every year. The iPhone 5, 5S, 6, 6S and 7 were all launched in September of consecutive years.

However, according to the Economic Daily News technical problems mean it could be delayed by weeks due to “technical issues” with the hotly anticipated curved screen and 3D camera.

Other rumours have suggested that delays in the handset’s new fingerprint sensor mean its release could be delayed until October at the earliest.

And some analysts believe that there won’t be a new Apple iPhone launch until 2018.

Can't stop constantly checking your phone? This handy iPhone hack will help you break the habit

What will the iPhone 8 come with?

Analysts from JP Morgan have reportedly said the iPhone 8 will come with a free pair of Airpods, Apple's cool wireless headphones.

In a briefing note seen by Apple Insider, experts suggested the Airpods would come as a free bonus.

However, the claim is unverified and has been described as "unlikely" because of the £159 cost of the wireless earphones and the huge demand which means iFans have to wait up to six weeks to buy a pair from the Apple Store.

How much will the iPhone 8 cost?

Rumours suggest that the new smartphone could be a lot more affordable than you think.

Steven Milunovich, an analyst from global financial services giant UBS, claims that Apple’s prices are expected to stay around the same price as the iPhone 7.

He said the flagship iPhone 8 will start from $850, which is around £682.

Milunovich wrote in a report seen by Mac Rumours: “Contrary to some perceptions, Apple prices quite competitively.

“Apple likes to position its entry-level products at the mid-market with ‘Pro/Plus’ products close to competitors at the high end.”

Despite the lower starting price, it’s likely that a higher storage tier will cost upwards of £800 – with some rumours suggesting that a weak pound could lead to the handset even costing £900.

What will the iPhone 8 be called?

Apple is rumoured to be planning to call its next smartphone the iPhone X in a huge break from its usual naming traditions.

Up until now, every new iPhone has been given a reasonably logical name, although Apple did slip the odd 's' after some model numbers.

In a briefing note seen by Tech Radar, analyst Timothy Arcuri of Cowen and Company said his supply chain sources has predicated a name change for the new mobile.

"It’s a name that makes some sense, simultaneously highlighting the phone’s high status and giving a nod to it being the tenth anniversary of the iPhone, with X, of course, being the Roman numeral for 10," the website wrote.

Apple unveils waterproof and wireless iPhone 7 with no headphone jack

What new features will the iPhone 8 have?

Facial recognition

Apple is rumoured to be planning to blast its biggest fans with LASER BEAMS when they buy the next iPhone 8.

But whilst this sound scary, the James Bond-esque technology may actually allow them to open up their mobile phone using their face.

An unconfirmed Apple rumour has suggested the upcoming device will use a laser to scan users' features.

This could allow them to use their own lovely face to access the gadget, rather than having to scan a fingerprint or enter a password.

"Features appear to include some form of facial/gesture recognition supported by a new laser sensor and an infrared sensor mounted near the front-facing camera and, as expected, should also finally include wireless charging," wrote Apple analyst Timothy Arcuri, according to Business Insider.

Screen and camera

The iPhone 8 is rumoured to have a stunning edge-to-edge OLED display taking up the length and breadth of the device.

It could also feature an all-glass design, according to a recently filed patent.

The patent awarded to Apple describes a device with a display that "may occupy the entire front face".

The screen will have the Home Button  -- complete with super-sensitive Touch ID technology -- and its front-facing camera built in, according to leaked reports from Apple's Cupertino HQ.

It is even thought the screen could be curved, just like the latest high-tech TVs.

However, recent iGossip suggests that this prediction could be WRONG – and the cutting-edge OLED display could be held back until Apple releases an experimental version of the phone in 2018.

Depending on the model (iPhone 8 is expected to come in three versions, see below) there will also be improved Optical Image Stabilisation technology.

It has been rumoured that a 3D camera, which allows users to scan a 3D version of themselves into the phone, could be included in this version.

Rumours are the iPhone 8 (artist's impression) could be full-screen and feature wireless charging technology

It will allow for even clearer ultra-HD photographs using two cameras: a 12 megapixel wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens.

This OIS technology already features on the iPhone 7 Plus's wide-angle lens, but NOT the telephoto lens.

The telephoto lens is expected to be improved in time for the iPhone 8 launch, meaning even pictures taken from far away will be clearer and more stabilised.

It has also been reported that Apple is working with LG on a camera for the iPhone 8 that would allow 3D photographs.

It is unclear exactly how these could be put to use – however, a tech industry expertsuggested a "revolutionary" front-facing camera could use infared technology to take 3D selfies.

These cutting edge photos could then be used to create video game characters that accurately resemble the players themselves.

Light-emitting diode (OLED) panels

Apple placed orders for bendable organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels – the kind you find on Samsung phones – to use in 70 million smartphones, according to sources speaking to Nikkei Asian Review.

OLED screens are typically used in fancy smart TVs because they offer high colour and motion quality (making it perfect for watching Netflix)  without munching too much power.

Wireless charging

Taiwanese tech manufacturer Foxconn is making wireless charging modules for the iPhone 8, according to reports.

It means the iPhone 8 will reportedly be able to be charged from 15 FEET away.

It will use a built-in wireless receiver to receive power from a transmitter plugged into a socket.

A company called Energous is said to be supplying the technology it called 'WattUp'.

The firm has previously boasted WattUp technology can allow devices to be charged from the impressive distance.

 

No more Lightning port

It has been claimed that Apple will remove the familiar Lightning connector from the upcoming model.

Rumours suggest that the firm wants to remove the Lightning and replace it with the USB-3, which could provoke mild grumbling from people who own headphones or other peripherals which connect to the familiar jack.