Apple will only launch two new iPhones on the second half of 2017 instead of the three models rumored earlier. The tech giant will reportedly skip the 7S series and go directly to the iPhone 8, which on release date will be offered in two screen sizes, the biggest of which will be called the iPhone 8 Plus.

MacRumors picked up the latest supply chain talks from China, via Micgadget.com, that claimed "This fall we can see only two models with new technology. Very interesting that rumors leaked new iPhone 8 and big iPhone 8 Plus will have similar dual cameras." The iPhone 7S series is not part of Apple's 2017 release date plans, the Chinese blog report added.

The same information was supposedly supplied by a Foxconn insider. The same source also stated that Apple only placed two iPhone models for Foxconn to mass produce. However, MacRumors labeled the shared details as questionable rumor.

More believable was the series of notes from reputed Apple insider Ming-chi Kuo, who has made a name for issuing forecast on upcoming iPhones that turned out as true. MacRumors took note that as far back as early 2016, Kuo voiced out claims of the plan by Apple to release three iPhones with one model serving as the most premium model.

The two handsets will mirror the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch screen profiles with LCD panel that Apple first introduced in 2015. Lately, these rumored devices have been referred to as the iPhone 7S series.

In his succeeding reports, Kuo also floated the possibility of a third iPhone with a 5.8-inch OLED panel. The device is now known as the iPhone 8 but it some reports the labels iPhone Edition, iPhone X and iPhone Pro were also used. But the reports are in agreement to expect a radically redesigned handset with an all-screen front panel.

MacRumors said it's possible that the Chinese blog report got confused with the recent reports that Apple will only deploy two iPhones immediately following the device intro in September 2017.

The same scenario was painted in one of Kuo's recent predictions - that Apple will announced the new iPhones as scheduled fall this year but the rollout will only involve the iPhone 7S and 7S Plus. However, the KGI analyst also made clear that the iPhone 8 release date will still happen but will be delayed until November or December due to production and supply issues.