Reports suggest that Apple will be launching three iPhones in 2017 and the Apple iPhone 8 is definitely the most-anticipated. It is expected to be a tech marvel, like the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Note 8, and is expected to significantly boost Apple revenues. Now, it has been reported that a European chipmaker, who goes by the name STMicroelectronics, may supply Apple iPhone 8. The company that is Europe's third-largest semiconductor company, has posted its in-line 2016 results and has also revealed plans of increasing its plant capacity.

According to Reuters, STMicroelectronics has inked a deal with a tech biggie and that can generate substantial revenues in the second half of 2017. Tech experts and analysts believe that the company is none other than the Cupertino-based tech giant Apple. The company may supply iPhone 8 parts and that includes a component inside the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Reports have confirmed that Apple has placed a new type of proximity sensor at the front side of the phone.

The sensor, known as a time-of-flight sensor (ToF), can also function as an "accurate rangefinder for the selfie camera." Apart from the ToF sensors, STMicroelectronics is also said to be working on a new product for the Apple iPhone 8 though it is not yet known what that product is. However, fresh reports have claimed that STMicro could be developing a new kind of gesture/facial recognition system that will be incorporated into the Apple iPhone 8, reports BGR.

This feature will also be supported by a new infrared and laser sensor near the front-facing camera. Apple is reportedly planning to reduce the number of sensors in iPhone 8 to keep an all-screen display. Therefore, it may use sensors for multiple features. Apple has also a patent that puts all front-facing sensors in the display.