App News Rewind: 'iPhone 8" Touch ID Rumors Just Won't Go Away

Sizzling summertime temperatures around the United States have a way of slowing things down in the technology world. In part because of this, the No. 1 Apple story remains the undetermined placement of Touch ID on the upcoming “iPhone 8.”

Where it stands. Just weeks before the handset’s apparent launch, it looks like Apple still hasn’t figured out how to successfully place an embedded fingerprint reader into the iPhone 8’s display. With no resolution forthcoming, we may not even see the handset announced until the final quarter of 2017.

One unconfirmed story this week suggested Apple’s prepping to reveal a second-generation iPhone SE in August, with its traditional iPhone launch event delayed until October.

A later report advises Apple might have no choice but to place a physical Touch ID button onto the back of the device.

With rumors also suggesting Apple’s having problems in the production of the so-called “iPhone 7s” and “iPhone 7s Plus,” it looks like things are dire as we head into August.

Are things really this bad? Apple’s once again the largest company in the world and it didn’t earn this title by being sloppy. I’m beginning to wonder whether Apple’s been planting these Touch ID stories in a brilliant game of misdirection. Hopefully, we’ll find out soon.

Here are five other tech headlines from the past week:

• Apple Celebrates World Emoji Day With iOS 11 Preview
• Verizon Accused of Throttling Netflix, YouTube Usage Before Limits Hit
• Apple Releases iOS 10.3.3, watchOS 3.2.3, tvOS 10.2.2 to the General Public
• iPhone Chip Production Headed Back to Samsung in 2018
• WSJ Declares Smartphone Wars Over With Samsung Besting Apple

It’s always simple to discover new apps thanks to AppAdvice’s Top Lists collection. We’ve got you covered with the Best Apps of the Week and Best Games of the Week features.

You should also consider:

• The Best Travel Apps to Help Take the Stress Out of Trip Planning
• It’s Happy Hour, Stir It Up With Cool Cocktail Apps

During the past week, we also published four new game reviews, including:

• Word and Logic Combine in Sidewords
• Glyph Quest Chronicles Will Bewitch You With Magical Puzzles
• Match and Merge Your Way to the Top in Laps – Fuse
• Unleash Your Rage in the Epic Action of Super Samurai Rampage

It’s almost time to head back to the classroom. And to help everyone prepare wisely, we’re highlighting some great back to school accessories for all of your Apple devices.

First up: These Awesome Back to School Accessories Rock

Looking for other interesting accessories? Check out these new GearAdvice stories:

• Amazon’s Alexa Heads to New Territory With the ecobee4 Smart Thermostat
• Molekule Is a New Smart Home Device for Asthma and Allergy Sufferers
• 7 Last Minute iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus Cases
• The Best Wireless Headphones for iOS Users

Black Hat USA continues through July 27 in Las Vegas.

On July 25, Motorola holds a press event in New York.

From July 25-26, San Francisco hosts the Wearable Technologies Conference USA.