Samsung Galaxy Note 8 release date, specs rumors: Device already being developed, 2017 release set?

Rumor has it that the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is already being developed, and it might be released next year.

 According to reliable tipster Evan Blass, the anticipated next generation of Samsung's phablets is already in the works, and its model number is SM-N950 (where the Galaxy Note 7's model number was SM-N930). Blass also mentioned that the model numbers of Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Edge, which are believed to be SM-G950 and SM-G955. It is an up from Galaxy S7's M-G930 and SM-G935 models.

"Samsung Galaxy S8 models are indeed skipping SM-G94* model numbers, will ship as SM-G950 & SM-G955. Know what else is in the works? SM-N950," Blass' tweet dated Nov. 10 reads.

A Samsung spokesperson reportedly downplayed rumors about a Galaxy Note 8 coming up, saying that the "company has not officially communicated any information about a new Note lineup, so any reports referring to a new Note device are purely speculation and are not in reference to any communications from Samsung on a future Note."

This recent statement led anticipating consumers to speculate that the complete Note series will be axed. However, even though there's still no word from the company, tech experts believe that the Note brand remains far from being entirely scrapped.  "I don't see them dropping the Note brand. I think come January or March—January at CES or March at Mobile World Congress—they'll come out with a Note 8," analyst Patrick Moorhead of Moor Insights & Strategy said. In terms of the features, users must look forward to, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is said to have an upgraded camera, an AI assistant, and a 4K display.

Samsung has yet to announce an official update on the Galaxy Note 8, but the device is expected to be launched sometime next year.