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

[Vanilla35]

Why do I keep hearing the new iPhone design is coming in 2017? We are supposed to have the newly design iPhone this year, not next one. We just had the "s" revision last year. Whether we are going to have OLED or curved glass this year is another story, but I highly doubt it's going to be in 2017.

Times have changed mate

 

[BrodieApple]

Don't you realize how absolutely inane that statement is? You could use the same logic to justify an 8GB iPhone. After all, if you need more you can just pay $100 to double, another $100 to go further, etc. right?

A phone with a 4K camera simply should *NOT* have 16GB of storage. That's just pathetic. you can shoot barely 20 minutes before you have COMPLETELY filled up your storage. Wow. Especially when it would have literally cost pennies for Apple to have put 32GB instead. No joke, not even a dollar. NAND flash has gotten so cheap but Apple seems stuck in 2011. It's sad and pathetic.

But worst of all, a $750 phone with 16GB...???? Come on now. There are Android phones less than HALF that price with 32GB. What a joke.

I used to be an iPhone guy even since the first back in 2007. But these days the iPhone is an awful joke, a punch line.

I hope that this year, when Apple does move to 32GB (it really just had to at this point), I hope their profit margins take a HUGE dive because they truly deserve it.

ok it was just my opinion

 

[AppleScruff1]

This clearly indicates Apple has made a judgement error on oled displays. I know they have bought luxvue for mini led displays, I know they started a design research center specialized in displays in the last year, but they obviously started too late and will be " missing" a cycle.
Instead of using their own in-house developed techniques, they have to use a display tech from Samsung /lg that has been here for quite a while now.
And that is the problem.
Apple could make a change to oled this year. But it is all about cost. Not just availability. If you ask Samsung and lg to produce 70 million oled screens before September this year , and you asked them last January or something . They could have delivered.

Apple is all about maintaining margins right now, and since new tech is expensive, we'll have to pay for it.
It is a shame, really...

Apple seems to be on acting on the verge of what is acceptable for iPhone customers, and hope they can keep the customers for another year before a great update. Apple is playing the waiting game, and might loose, big time.

I thought you didn't like OLED and that Apple was smart for not using it? Remember the other thread?

 

[MICHAELSD]

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.

Completely edge-to-edge. No wasted space. Could be great for VR too.
[doublepost=1459050952][/doublepost]

So happy I'm on that S cycle

I'm on the every year cycle .

Although I must say I haven't heard anything about the iPhone 7 that makes me that excited for it.

 

[Manzzle]

If only they would do this for the iPhone 7 later this year cause from what I see from these rumors, the iPhone 7 will look just like the iPhone 6 and 6S with just the bands placed differently and no head phone jack. Doesn't seem like a reason to be be excited about getting a new phone if you had both the iPhone 6 and 6S.

 

[X38]

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?

Cook is to busy worrying about stuff like public restroom policy in North Carolina to actually do his job and keep Apple on the leading edge.

 

[The Game 161]

bigger is better for me

 

[B4U]

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

Yeah, sure, buy more. Problem is, the work phone that was handed to me was the base 16GB model. Like other company phones, only the base model will be given out to employees. I offered Verizon to pay for the difference to get the 64GB, but I was told it was corporate policy that it was not possible.
Now with all those required app from the company, I am left with less than 5 GB of capacity to use for e-mails, pictures and videos FOR THE JOB.

 

[ChrisA]

... Apple will reportedly take the glass-backed design ....

What is the advantage of a glass black. Glass has to be both thicker and heavier then metal and it could crack. Better to use some material like titanium that can be very light and thin. actually the plastic like the iPhone 5 works well, but is thicker than metal

My ideal phone would be both bendable and water proof. Like some kind of soft plastic that you can't scratch or crack. Connectors would not mate into holes but stick with magnet on the surface, just a featureless slab of semi-rigid plastic. Glass on the back is not the right way to go. It is using a material because of the way it looks and not because of the way it works.

 

[macduke]

Hah, I called this the other day in this thread I made: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/10th-anniversary-iphone-and-the-iphone-7.1963318/

I noticed two things: The rumored iPhone 7 design doesn't seem like a big change and 2017 is the 10th anniversary of the iPhone. I figured they would go all out for the anniversary edition. With the rumors of OLED for 2017 it makes sense. They might have needed another year to get this iPhone where they wanted it, which breaks the cycle, and they can take the angle that it's a special 10th anniversary model. They broke the "cycle" one other time, which was the original iPhone which didn't have an S model. Now, I'll admit, it wasn't a pattern yet but they might switch things up for this special version. I'm just a little concerned the iPhone might flounder somewhat until they get that model out the door. That dual camera system better be spectacular on the 7, haha! And hopefully not just on the Plus model.

Either way I'm on the iPhone upgrade program so just let the iPhone's keep rolling in!

 

[AppleScruff1]

What is the advantage of a glass black. Glass has to be both thicker and heavier then metal and it could crack. Better to use some material like titanium that can be very light and thin. actually the plastic like the iPhone 5 works well, but is thicker than metal

My ideal phone would be both bendable and water proof. Like some kind of soft plastic that you can't scratch or crack. Connectors would not mate into holes but stick with magnet on the surface, just a featureless slab of semi-rigid plastic. Glass on the back is not the right way to go. It is using a material because of the way it looks and not because of the way it works.

Why not Liquid Metal? Apple has done nothing with it so far.

 

[ChrisA]

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.

I think it is an anti glair feature. Flat glass looks and acts like a mirror and some times you have to tilt it to remove a reflection. Like a domed watch crystal never really has a glair problem. The down side is if you lay it face down, the high spot on the face gets scratched

If it were a TV set they could use an anti-reflective coating but those don't workweek with finger print oil on them.

 

[stevemiller]

i'm bored so i made a quick iPhone 4 meets iPhone 6 with curved screen mockup. also seemed like the right moment to get rid of a mechanical home button.

 

[dampfnudel]

With nearly a trillion dollars at the helm ,curved screens already done, and OLED displays already in existence one would think it would be ready . My bad.

Not ready.*

*according to Apple marketing

Hope that clarifies it for you.
[doublepost=1459052615][/doublepost]

i'm bored so i made a quick iPhone 4 meets iPhone 6 with curved screen mockup. also seemed like the right moment to get rid of a mechanical home button.View attachment 623319

Looks like something to get excited about in 2017.

 

[Vanilla35]

Let's assume he's right.

That would most likely mean a liquidmetal iPhone. And I imagine the home button will be gone in this model too. The only surprise is that they'll go to 5.8".

So this fall the iPhone roughly looks the same but is thinner. Next year we see an enormous redesign.

How does that mean liquid metal? He literally states glass-back. I'd assume the sides would remain aluminum.

 

[Zackmd1]

What is the advantage of a glass black. Glass has to be both thicker and heavier then metal and it could crack. Better to use some material like titanium that can be very light and thin. actually the plastic like the iPhone 5 works well, but is thicker than metal

My ideal phone would be both bendable and water proof. Like some kind of soft plastic that you can't scratch or crack. Connectors would not mate into holes but stick with magnet on the surface, just a featureless slab of semi-rigid plastic. Glass on the back is not the right way to go. It is using a material because of the way it looks and not because of the way it works.

Radio and power transmission..... Normal metal alloys do not allow efficient transmission of radio waves/ wireless charging. That is why every aluminum backed iPhone has had areas of glass or plastic. Having an all glass back would allow for technologies such as wireless charging to be included much easier.

Now the exception here would be liquid metal that does allow radio transmission. Though I think there are still significant issues to overcome with this material before a mass produced phone can be made from it.

 

[ChrisA]

Why not Liquid Metal? Apple has done nothing with it so far.

Liquid metal is a manufacturing process that lets them make complex shapes that are also strong without the need for an expensive machining and heat treatment process. From an end user's point of view we don't care much HOW it was made. Liquid metal adds nothing to the user's experience of the product.

What I care about is the end result and what is SERIOUSLY lacking is durability. I want to see an Apple iPhone used in the video linked to below. Try to re-imagine the video as a "Shot on an iPhone" ad. The ad below is very much in the style of an Apple TV ad and these people really did use their own product to make the ad. Watch it clear to the end and read the cations at the end (I have no interest in this company except as an end user.)

I want an iPhone ad just like this.

 

[Adithya007]

So, Apple's S7 will be coming soon!

 

[LovingTeddy]

I agree with most of this but I like the 3 size options and as long as Apple can forecast the demand there are still only 3 current iphone (yes I know they keep selling the last years model when a new model comes out) but you get what I'm saying. I know lots of people who prefer each of those 3 sizes. Personally I'm not sure I'll ever understand a 5.5+ phone unless you usually carry a bag or purse which I don't

I am currently carrying Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P as my daily driver. Nexus 6P is huge devices, but it is still managable. I just put in the pocket inside my suit. And my Nexus 5X in my pocket. I don't really bothered by those phones. I enjoy reading website and watching videoa on Nexus 6P's AMOLED quadHD disolay. It is awesome devices to use.

 

[dampfnudel]

Just when I thought I'd buy an iPhone 7 only 6 months from now...

Well, you could still get a iPhone 7, then upgrade next year to the 8/ME/X. That would work for Apple.
[doublepost=1459053403][/doublepost]

So, Apple's S7 will be coming soon!

I wouldn't call 15-18 months coming soon and knowing Apple, it will be distinct in appearance from the Galaxy S7.

 

[ChrisA]

.. Having an all glass back would allow for technologies such as wireless charging to be included much easier.....

You don't need glass for wireless charging. There are already many devices that can charge wirelessly and none use glass backs. I think if they use glass on the back is is for style, not functionality. Even the article said the reason was simply to make the iPhone look different.

 

[MICHAELSD]

Hah, I called this the other day in this thread I made: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/10th-anniversary-iphone-and-the-iphone-7.1963318/

I noticed two things: The rumored iPhone 7 design doesn't seem like a big change and 2017 is the 10th anniversary of the iPhone. I figured they would go all out for the anniversary edition. With the rumors of OLED for 2017 it makes sense. They might have needed another year to get this iPhone where they wanted it, which breaks the cycle, and they can take the angle that it's a special 10th anniversary model. They broke the "cycle" one other time, which was the original iPhone which didn't have an S model. Now, I'll admit, it wasn't a pattern yet but they might switch things up for this special version. I'm just a little concerned the iPhone might flounder somewhat until they get that model out the door. That dual camera system better be spectacular on the 7, haha! And hopefully not just on the Plus model.

Either way I'm on the iPhone upgrade program so just let the iPhone's keep rolling in!

I think you're onto something. "S" just seems to confuse customers. Maybe they'll skip the S for that year or switch to a new naming system.

 

[Bako-MacAddict]

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.

YES !!!!!!!

 

[ChinaRye]

Maybe the phones being released this year will be called the 6se and 6se Plus. Then they do the new design for the 7.

 

[SR71]

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.

I also wondered the same thing, but recently had the opportunity to use my friends Galaxy S6 Edge for the better part of a day and the curved edge for some reason actually makes content feel more immersive. Combine that with the beautiful OLED display and it's just awesome. It's really something you have to experience in person. A good example is in this video of the S6 Edge (starts at 2:50, but it's really evident around 3:06-3:13):

.

Watch that in fullscreen in at least 1080p and let me know what you think.