It is already expected that Apple will come out with the iPhone 8 next year. However, speculations suggest that the release will also see a more affordable lineup, the iPhone 7s.

According to Apple Insider, the Cupertino-based tech giant will be expanding its iPhone lineup next year. However, only the so-called iPhone 8 will be the top-tier flagship in the upcoming series. Supposedly, the upcoming lineup will also include a minor update to the current-gen flagship and will be dubbed as the iPhone 7s.

Noted analyst and Apple soothsayer Ming-Chi Kuo from KGI Securities has come out with research notes stating that the rumored 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch variants for next year's iPhone will have minor updates and more affordable price tags which will categorize them as iPhone 7s. Should this prove true, then the 2017 iPhone lineup will be a full-series release for Apple. The 4.7-inch variant will serve as the entry-level model in the series while the 5.5-inch version will have mid-range specs and features.

Supposedly, the two iPhone versions will have similar design and specs with the current-gen iPhone 7, such as the LCD screens, and will only offer minor updates under the hood. This will make Apple stick to budget-friendly price tags for the new iterations. Meanwhile, much of the rumored major improvements for the 2017 lineup will go to the supposed iPhone 8, including an upgrade to OLED display as well as an all-new body with an all-glass construction. In addition, it is said that only the iPhone 8 will feature the new dual-cam setup introduced in the iPhone 7 Plus.

Since the iPhone 7s will be introduced as the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch models next year, speculations suggest that the iPhone 8 will be Apple's first true phablet which may feature a larger screen. It is said that the iPhone 8 will sport a 5.8-inch OLED display with near bezel-less display.