Supply chain reports are depicting a massive scramble for securing OLED display supplies after it became clear that Apple may be working on a unique curved OLED iPhone 8 that could celebrate the iPhone’s 10th anniversary by putting the company’s innovation spirit in overdrive mode this year.
According to analyst Timothy Arcuri of Cowen and Company, who cites sources in Apple’s supply chain, the launch of three new iPhones in 2017 will be incredibly “feature-rich,” headlined by what he refers to an “iPhone X,” which we can only assume is the iPhone 8. These details were unveiled in a research note to investors today retrieved by AppleInsider.
“In addition to the 5.8-inch OLED model with a “wraparound” screen design,” reads AppleInsider’s report, “he also believes Apple will release new 4.7- and 5.5-inch ‘iPhone 7s‘ handsets, serving as upgrades to the existing iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus designs.”
The report also suggests that Apple may in fact decide to use OLED screens in the smaller ‘7S’ models, entirely dependent on Samsung’s ability to supply OLED screens to Apple in the capacity desired. Additionally, this would also depend on Apple’s existing LCD stock. Earlier reports have detailed that the “iPhone 7s” models will stick to LCD panels, leaving OLED exclusive to the completely redesigned flagship model.
Additionally, rumours have suggested that the flagship model’s key components, such as the earpiece, Touch ID fingerprint sensor, and FaceTime camera, will all be embedded into the OLED display. This would allow for Apple to create a seamless edge-to-edge display on the front panel.
Arcuri reiterated those claims, and predicted that Apple may switch to Synaptec’s optical-based fingerprint reader for the new Touch ID sensor, citing it as “currently the only workable solution” for detecting a fingerprint through a smartphone screen.”
Other claims by Arcuri:
“Other features appear to include some form of facial/gesture recognition supported by a new laser sensor and an infrared sensor mounted near the front-facing camera and, as expected, should also finally include wireless charging.”
While these rumours are indeed intriguing, it’s important to take them with the proverbial grain of salt, as we still have months to go before any official announcement is made. In the meantime, we’ll keep you updated on all of the newest rumours and speculations regarding the phone.
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4.7, 5.5 and 5.8 really… replace 4.7 by 5.0, 4.7 is too small and 5.5 is too big to use with one hand, which is the way I use my iPhone most of the time.
Assuming an “edge to edge” display the screen may be bigger without making the overall size bigger.
Assuming this latest rumour is accurate, the edge to edge would only apply to the 5.8
Right. Thus a 5.5 and a 5.8 size, without requiring it to have an overall bigger size.
The original post was about eliminating the 4.7 in favour of a 5.0
You sure? I interpreted it as being about having three different sizes.
The punctuation needs some work but this is as I read it:
4.7, 5.5 and 5.8 really(? How about replacing the) 4.7 (with a) 5.0. (The) 4.7 is too small and (the) 5.5 is too big to use with one hand. (This) is the way I use my iPhone most of the time.
Okay it’s more than punctuation!
How about Apple show a bit of love for the 4.7 inch? For me 4.7 inch is my sweet spot. Sounds like it will only get a spec bump at best.
Keep in mind these are rumours.