Apple is planning to launch three OLED iPhone models in 2020 which will have different display sizes than its current generation devices.
Citing sources in Taiwan’s supply chain, a new report from Digitimes claims that Apple’s 2020 iPhone lineup will comprise of 5.42-, 6.06-, and 6.67-inch models. There is a chance that these new display sizes also means that we can expect to see a new design, but exactly what kind of changes is unclear.
Digitimes also claims that its sources say that all of the new iPhones will be OLED by 2020, which is in line with other rumours. Right now, Apple makes two OLED iPhones — the 5.8-inch iPhone XS and 6.5-inch iPhone XS Max — plus the LCD-based 6.1-inch iPhone XR.
Digitimes‘ sources say that the new smaller 5.42-inch iPhone will come will come with Samsung Display’s Y-Octa or LG Display’s TOE touch screen. Both of these solutions are less expensive than current OLED tech, offering lighter weight and thickness. The report also notes that Samsung will remain Apple’s main OLED panel supplier for Apple next year.
“The 5.42in model to be released in 2020 may come with either Samsung Display’s Y-Octa or LG Display’s TOE touch technology, indicated the sources, noting that both touch solutions promises to trim down the display cost,” Digitimes reports.
According to the sources, “[Samsung’s] Y-Octa is an advanced flexible AMOLED display technology that removes the film substrate and allows the touch circuit to be directly patterned on the film’s encapsulation layer, making the display thinner.”
It concludes by suggesting that Apple is likely to ship between 180 million and 190 million iPhones in 2019 as a whole. While shipments aren’t necessarily the same as sales (although Apple is generally good at forecasting), this sounds like it could be another year-on-year decline in overall iPhone business.
