Apple May Launch 5.8-Inch OLED iPhone With Curved Glass Casing and Screen in 2017

[MacRumors]

Apple is planning a major overhaul of the iPhone for 2017, including the adoption of an all-new curved glass casing paired with a curved 5.8-inch AMOLED display, according to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Seeking to move away from the metal casing designs that are no longer unique, Apple will reportedly take the glass-backed design used for the iPhone 4 and 4s "to the next level" in building the 2017 iPhone.

We expect the 2017 new iPhone model to adopt a structural design similar to that of iPhone 4/ 4s, meaning it will be equipped with glass on both the front and back sides, and a metal frame surrounded the edges. The difference is that the new model will likely come with a curved screen and curved glass casing, with other important features including a 5.8-inch AMOLED display, wireless charging, and more biometric recognitions (facial or iris). Given the curved design, the new model may look smaller than an existing 5.5-inch iPhone.

Kuo lays out two scenarios for Apple's 2017 lineup, depending on availability of the AMOLED displays needed for the new phone. If supplies are sufficient, Apple would launch a 4.7-inch LCD-based iPhone paired with the new 5.8-inch AMOLED iPhone as a larger option. But if AMOLED display production is unable to meet the entire large-screen demand, Kuo believes Apple will launch 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch LCD iPhones similar to today's lineup, with the 5.8-inch AMOLED model being a third option at the high end.

Such a major change in 2017 would be part of a significant departure from Apple's usual pattern of keeping the same general body style for two years before making major changes. The current iPhone 6s and 6s Plus represent the second year of the current body style, and normally this year's iPhone 7 would be expected to see a significant external redesign to freshen up the look. Leaks and rumors have, however, suggested changes could be fairly minor in the iPhone 7.

Previous rumors have suggested Apple is looking to launch a 5.8-inch OLED iPhone in 2017 or 2018, with Apple rumored to be working with several different OLED display manufacturers.

Article Link: Apple May Launch 5.8-Inch OLED iPhone With Curved Glass Casing and Screen in 2017

 

[TechGod]

This makes me happy.

 

[JPLC]

A totaly black iPhone with a seamless OLED screen? Please, take my money! Cant wait to see a moving wallpaper on a device like that!

Edit:
I couldn't resist to make a quick mock-up about my idea of a totaly black OLED iPhone. Would love to see it blacker than black.

Edit 2: Attempt #2

 

[arggg14]

5.8 in screen with thin bezels in the 5.5 form factor... I'm in.

 

[chriscrk]

That old iPhone looks like a toy now a days...

 

[Pakaku]

Not sure if I'm cool with the idea of an entire shatter-prone case or not.

 

[Icaras]

I wonder if the 5.8-inch could be the iPhone Pro that was rumored recently.

 

[mtneer]

I get the OLED part, but what is the benefit/ purpose of a "curved" screen? Maybe because I haven't owned a device with a curved display, I can't imagine what such a screen could do for me.

 

[dannyyankou]

So I guess I'll hold on to my 6s until next year.

 

[mbh1976]

5.8? Why not just put phone capabilities on an iPad mini and call it a day.

 

[chromite]

Those bezels, haha. It's amazing how bad they look now in 2016.

 

[ghsDUDE]

So happy I'm on that S cycle

 

[BrodieApple]

Ugh now I might be waiting another year to get a fully redesigned iPhone

 

[sshambles]

Anyone else think it's odd they'd do a major design overhaul in time for the 7S, but not for the 7?

I know they might not have it 'ready' but come on, this is Apple. Reality Distortion Field represent 2016.

 

[misterpip]

This is great news. My only wish is that it releases in early 2017, so that i don't have to wait 18 months to get this.

 

[Maigrais]

Anyone else think it's odd they'd do a major design overhaul in time for the 7S, but not for the 7?

I know they might not have it 'ready' but come on, this is Apple. Reality Distortion Field represent 2016.

No it makes sense, I mean it will be iPhone's 10 year anniversary.

 

[iapplelove]

Just release it in 2016

 

[macs4nw]

Completely getting rid of the bezels would actually make the footprint of such a (rumored) 5.8" 2017 AMOLED iPhone very similar or even a tad smaller than the current 6S Plus, but to accomplish that the TouchID would have to be incorporated in or under the screen itself.

 

[Di4mondz]

Ugh now I might be waiting another year to get a fully redesigned iPhone

ugh first world problems

 

[BrodieApple]

I get the OLED part, but what is the benefit/ purpose of a "curved" screen? Maybe because I haven't owned a device with a curved display, I can't imagine what such a screen could do for me.

its probably for the looks or apple might do something cool

ugh first world problems

didn't say it was but ok

 

[B A S]

If the overall styling of the phone is being left to the "S" update, what will be the big selling feature of the 7? just the camera? I personally favour the camera as the most important feature update (I expect everything to be faster than the previous models. But I imagine there are a lot of people who want other things.
Leaving the styling update to september 2017 seems like drip feeding improvements.maybe it's time for 7 to be the major overhaul in both looks and features.

 

[AxoNeuron]

Good job Apple, welcome to where Samsung was at several years ago. Maybe you could even go beyond the pathetic 16GB base model some time in the 2020's. But then again, why leave 2011 when you don't have to?

 

[BrodieApple]

Good job Apple, welcome to where Samsung was at several years ago. Maybe you could even go beyond the pathetic 16GB base model some time in the 2020's. But then again, why leave 2011 when you don't have to?

several? it was 2 years and their edge is pointless. 16GB is an option, if you need more buy more. thats the point

 

[iZac]

For a second a was like "what's this sexy new phone?" Then realised it was a 4S!

As for a major 2017 redesign, perhaps that's because Apple is shifting to a 3 year cycle for 'major redesigns' and the '7' Is just a cosmetic update of the antenna bands?

 

[doelcm82]

So I guess I'll hold on to my 6s until next year.

Why?

If you were previously considering upgrading your 6s this year then you're the kind of person who upgrades every year. So you can get a new phone in 2016 AND get one again in 2017.

If you're not the kind of person who upgrades every year, then I'd expect you to hold on to your 6s until next year anyway.