Apple Testing More Than 10 Prototype iPhone Models, Including One With Curved OLED Display

[MacRumors]

Multiple sources have claimed Apple will launch its first iPhone with a curved OLED display next year, and now The Wall Street Journal has thrown its weight behind those rumors.

The report claims an OLED version could be introduced as one of several new iPhone models unveiled next year, but it would have a higher price tag than current iPhone models.

OLED displays are thinner, lighter, and allow for flexible designs, but they are up to $50 more expensive to produce than traditional LCD displays, according to analysts cited.

OLED displays can also be more energy efficient, as unlike LCD displays, they do not require a backlight to illuminate the screen. When displaying black pixels, OLED displays are completely off, which could preserve battery life.

Apple is said to have more than 10 different iPhone prototypes under development, so it may decide not to launch a version with an OLED display next year, according to the report. Previous reports said Apple will also launch new 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch models with traditional LCD displays next year.

Apple will likely tap Samsung as its primary OLED display supplier, but it wants LG Display, Japan Display, and Sharp to ramp up production for 2018, the report added, corroborating information heard previously. Sharp President and CEO Tai Jeng-wu confirmed Apple's plans to switch to OLED technology last month.

Article Link: Apple Testing More Than 10 Prototype iPhone Models, Including One With Curved OLED Display

 

[Appleaker]

I really hope they don't embed the home button into the display but instead make the whole bottom bezel the home button.

That's probably more likely, however Apple have really been putting form over function lately.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

All iPhone 8's found in bars are covered with this:

 

[840quadra]

I think having diverse suppliers will be key, and I am hoping for premium phones that offer both OLED and LCD. Not happy with burn-in on my android devices that have OLED, and if Samsung is the only supplier, it's clear they haven't solved that issue yet.

 

[Dave245]

If they do a curved display i can't see them doing it the same way that Samsung have with their Edge phones. I also think Apple have already decided on an OLED display, according to other reports they have already ordered OLED displays from Samsung and a couple of other companies. It will be interesting to see which route they take.

 

[okboy]

Hopefully these are mostly prototypes of different screens, not entirely different form factors. I'm not sure of Apple's process, but it seems like a bad sign if they are so undecided about a good form factor that they have 10 prototypes. Perhaps some of these are iPhone 9, 10, etc. Still excited as ever! I'm guessing OLED for iPhone Plus, then regular iPhone next year when prices are better.

 

[gsmornot]

If the displays look like those on the Galaxy lineup then I'm all for it. Great displays on those phones.

 

[Precursor]

The report claims an OLED version could be introduced as one of several new iPhone models unveiled next year

How many models will be coming out? Sheesh!

 

[fokmik]

if they remove the home button, they need to make the entire front panel a fingerprint, so anyone but you can interact with the latest iOS10 notifications through 3d TOUCH

 

[illmatic41]

Yeah, OLED burn-in would a huge issue for the users that keep their phones more than 1-2 years. Also, while battery life is great when you have mostly black screens, the majority of apps and webpages have white backgrounds, and in that case, OLED uses more power than LCD. Yeah, colors pop on AMOLED, but they're not gonna be that impressive when you have no power or if your screen has a burned-in image.

 

[dumastudetto]

If I could pre-order my iPhone 8 now I would. These new iPhones are going to be the very best iPhones Apple has ever made.

 

[nitschi]

OLED displays are thinner, lighter, and allow for flexible designs, but they are also up to $50 more expensive to produce than traditional LCD displays, according to analysts cited.

iPhone 8 Pro for $1.099 confirmed!

 

[rosalindavenue]

Isn't the 8 locked in by now? If they are announcing in September 2017 they need to have the tooling and components lined up. I don't doubt that there are plenty of prototypes for future models, but I would think that the iPhone 8 was 95% done by now.

 

[mscice]

iPhone 8 Pro for $1.099 confirmed!

more like 1199 $ )))

 

[thatanonymoususer]

I think that Apple should think a while on their decision to split up the iPhone line further. Right now, we have the SE, 7@4.7", and 7@5.5" as the current flagship phones. A streamlined experience and the draw that if you buy one of their flagship phones, you'll be guaranteed to be able to do everything iPhone has to offer was one of the main pulls for buying an Apple product from a developer and a consumer standpoint.

As Apple further complicates the iPhone line, they step away from the curator role and start becoming more of a Samsung with a bunch of models shotgun scattered at the consumer to see which ones hit.

 

[chr1s60]

I can already see the iPhone 7s, the iPhone Pro, and the limited edition iPhone X.

 

[kahkityoong]

OLED displays are thinner, lighter, and allow for flexible designs, but they are also up to $50 more expensive to produce than traditional LCD displays

Plus Apple tax, that will translate to $500 extra for this model.

 

[itsreakk]

I can already see the iPhone 7s, the iPhone Pro, and the limited edition iPhone X.

Wouldn't be surprised considering we're talking about Apple

 

[arggg14]

I guess their strategy was to make up their margin with the new MacBook Pro.

 

[GubbyMan]

10 Different Prototypes? Was this possibly leaked by @Serban?

 

[mattan_lines]

I was kinda hoping they'd bump up the security and privacy of this iPhone model a little more.. I'm tired of not being surprised whenever they release a "new" product due to leaks online.

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

I'm sure there is a prototype with no buttons, no jacks, and when you turn it sideways, it's so thin it vanishes.

 

[hanser]

I can already see the iPhone 7s, the iPhone Pro, and the limited edition iPhone X.

you mean the XPhone?

 

[TurboPGT!]

Nothing new, Apple routinely tests at least this many working models all year prior to the decision on which to manufacture for sale.

To those that understand these things, it makes you more aware that the rumor mill knows absolutely nothing at this stage.

 

[citysnaps]

I think having diverse suppliers will be key, and I am hoping for premium phones that offer both OLED and LCD. Not happy with burn-in on my android devices that have OLED, and if Samsung is the only supplier, it's clear they haven't solved that issue yet.

Same here. OLED is just another technology that get some excited just because it's "the latest" and has a different label. Still has issues.

Frankly, I hope Apple stays with the latest LCD used in the iPhone 7. As a photographer who makes photographs with my phone everyday, I'm much more interested in a wide color gamut like the iPhone's DCI-P3, one that's accurate and rated highest by DisplayMate.