Jan 22, 2017 12:27 AM EST By Ivy Greene, UniversityHerald Reporter

As a new year could mean new beginnings, this signals yet another calendar year for new innovations from Apple. Many afficionados are eagerly awaiting for updates, as well as looking out for leaks and rumors about the new Apple patent 2017.

Rumors on release date and specs

There are talks that iPhone 7 sales would do poorly because of the recognized lack of crucial new features and design changes. Although, the company gave their word that things would change in 2017. The iPhone 8 is expected to shock everyone with an alleged radical range of enhancements.

According to Mac World UK, there have been predictions about upcoming updates like Apple stock. The iPhone 8, to be released on the phone's 10-year anniversary in 2017 (notably leaving out the "S"generation in recognition of its major updates) and will feature "significant innovations" like a full-glass OLED screen, new and upgraded haptic feedback features, wireless charging, and other major specs improvements including the camera and processor.

What about the bigger screen people are talking about? DigiTimes predicts that Apple will reveal a 5.8-inch iPhone, citing anonymous sources in the Taiwanese supply chain. The source also said that models will include 4.7 and 5.5-inch models as well, with TFT-LCD panels to be utilized in the former two models and AMOLED for the 5.8-inch one.

Finally, a wireless charging station?

Another upgrade to look forward to is an alleged wireless charging station. Per Patently Apple, although the new Apple patent 2017 is more focused on brushing and polishing tools for metallic cylindrical and contoured devices, it also refers to an "inductive charging station". iPhone users may soon be able to charge their units wireless. Many would definitely be looking forward to this innovation.

Imagine the convenience a device like this would bring. With this charger, users can place their handsets on top of it, without needing to use Apple's Lightning charger. It could also complement the removal of the headphone jack, as users can now charge their phones while using the Lightning port to listen to music with a pair of earphones.

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