It is expected that Apple will introduce another smartphone flagship next year. Speculations suggest that the next iPhone will include major improvements, including an expanded lineup.

According to Forbes, rumors suggest that the Cupertino-based tech giant may be working on an iPhone phablet for 2017. Supposedly, the new iPhone 8 lineup will include a new iteration with 5.8-inch display. Should this happen, it will be the biggest iPhone yet, a massive upgrade from the 5.5-inch screen on the current-gen iPhone 7 Plus. In addition, supposed predictions from noted analysts, citing inside sources, also point out that the iPhone phablet may be a top-tier iteration and will include major upgrades like a near bezel-less screen and dual-cam setup.

The supposed addition of the new iPhone also dovetails with speculations that the next lineup will offer at least three iterations. This means that aside from the phablet-sized iPhone, Apple will also include a 5-inch and 4.7-inch iPhone 8 variants in the new series.

The expanded iPhone lineup has also been predicted by another noted analyst, although there is no mention of the 5.8-inch iPhone 8. MacRumors reports that as per analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, the 4.7-inch variant is already a given. In his research notes, the analyst concluded, "We look for new 2017F iPhones to come in three models: one OLED model, and two TFT-LCD models with 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch display."

Meanwhile, aside from new display variants, other improvements are also expected with the iPhone 8. It is expected that the next iPhone will feature the next-gen A11 chipset, paired with at least 3 GB of RAM. In addition, speculations suggest that Apple will go with a revolutionary new design and form factor for the new flagship, such as an all-glass construction that will sandwich the hardware components inside. Other specs and features include a dual-cam setup for the step-up variant, as well as the continued absence of the 3.5-mm audio jack.