Apple to Use Bezel-Reducing Backlighting Chips in Upcoming 6.1-inch LCD iPhone

[MacRumors]

Apple may adopt LED backlighting chips for the LCD panels in its forthcoming 6.1-inch iPhone that enable it to reduce screen bezel size and bring LCD panels closer to bezel-free OLED screens.

DigiTimes reports that Japan-based Nichia will become the exclusive supplier of the LED chips for use in backlighting of the panels used in the 6.1-inch LCD iPhone, which Apple is expected to launch around September.

While LTPS-LCD smartphone screens with backlights using 0.4t LED chips have bottom bezels of 4.0-4.5mm, use of 0.3t LED chips can reduce them to 2.0-2.5mm, enhancing LCD screens' competitiveness against OLED all (bezel-free) screens panels, the sources explained.

Packaging of 0.3t LED chips for side-view backlighting of LTPS-LCD smartphone panels is more difficult in accuracy and stability than that of 0.4t LED chips, the sources noted, adding Nichia began trial production of 0.3t LED chips for use in high-end smartphone models launched by China- and Japan-based vendors in the first half of 2018.

Apple is expected to launch three new smartphones later this year: Two OLED models measuring in at 5.8 and 6.5 inches and a 6.1-inch lower-cost LCD model. All three are believed to feature Face ID and edge-to-edge displays.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who first predicted Apple would introduce a low-cost LCD iPhone, believes the device will have a price tag that comes in at $700 to $800, similar to the iPhone 8 and the iPhone 8 Plus.

Previous rumors have suggested the use of upgraded display technology in the lower-cost device. For example, Apple may use Full Active LCDs from Japan Display, which are said to match or exceed some of the benefits of an OLED display at a lower cost. Japan Display is said to be ramping up LCD production in an effort to fulfill orders from Apple.

According to The Wall Street Journal, sources involved with Apple's supply chain claim that Apple now expects LCD models to make up the majority of iPhone sales in its upcoming lineup. Apple initially wanted roughly equal production of iPhone models with LCDs and OLED displays, but now plans to make more of the LCD model, as it supposedly anticipates strong customer demand for the more affordable X-like model.

DigiTimes sources suggest trial production of the 6.1-inch iPhone will begin in July, with small-volume production in August and volume production beginning September. Based on that timeline, Nichia's production capacity for the enhanced LED backlighting chips is expected to be booked up by Apple in the second half of 2018.

Additional details on what to expect in the iPhones coming in 2018, likely in the September timeframe, can be found in our 2018 iPhones roundup.

Article Link: Apple to Use Bezel-Reducing Backlighting Chips in Upcoming 6.1-inch LCD iPhone

 

[Lone Deranger]

Hi Apple, in case this isn’t just a rumour, your laptop line could really do with some smaller bezels too.

 

[mazz0]

All three are believed to feature Face ID and edge-to-edge displays.

None of them are expected to have edge to edge displays, just like the iPhone X doesn't have an edge to edge display!

 

[NBAasDOGG]

Hi Apple, in case this isn’t just a rumour, your laptop line could really do with some smaller bezels too.

They could also do a new keyboard and chips too!

 

[Sevanw]

Actually Apple, how about getting rid of that hideous notch first, then work on getting rid of that ancient looking 4mm bezel that goes around your whole phone. Nasty.

 

[MrGimper]

None of them are expected to have edge to edge displays, just like the iPhone X doesn't have an edge to edge display!

Exactly.... I wish people would stop saying the X has an edge-to-edge display, it doesn't.

 

[Mr.Blacky]

Actually Apple, how about getting rid of that hideous notch first, then work on getting rid of that ancient looking 4mm bezel that goes around your whole phone. Nasty.

No other smartphone has a thinner all around bezel.

 

[The-Rift]

6.1 iPhone at $700, I am ready!

 

[Achillias]

No other smartphone has a thinner all around bezel.

Vivo Nex, Oppo Find X. Take your Apple glasses off.

 

[Val-kyrie]

Apple may adopt LED backlighting chips for the LCD panels in its forthcoming 6.1-inch iPhone that enable it to reduce screen bezel size and bring LCD panels closer to bezel-free OLED screens.

DigiTimes reports that Japan-based Nichia will become the exclusive supplier of the LED chips for use in backlighting of the panels used in the 6.1-inch LCD iPhone, which Apple is expected to launch around September.

Apple is expected to launch three new smartphones later this year: Two OLED models measuring in at 5.8 and 6.5 inches and a 6.1-inch lower-cost LCD model. All three are believed to feature Face ID and edge-to-edge displays.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who first predicted Apple would introduce a low-cost LCD iPhone, believes the device will have a price tag that comes in at $700 to $800, similar to the iPhone 8 and the iPhone 8 Plus.

Previous rumors have suggested the use of upgraded display technology in the lower-cost device. For example, Apple may use Full Active LCDs from Japan Display, which are said to match or exceed some of the benefits of an OLED display at a lower cost. Japan Display is said to be ramping up LCD production in an effort to fulfill orders from Apple.

According to The Wall Street Journal, sources involved with Apple's supply chain claim that Apple now expects LCD models to make up the majority of iPhone sales in its upcoming lineup. Apple initially wanted roughly equal production of iPhone models with LCDs and OLED displays, but now plans to make more of the LCD model, as it supposedly anticipates strong customer demand for the more affordable X-like model.

DigiTimes sources suggest trial production of the 6.1-inch iPhone will begin in July, with small-volume production in August and volume production beginning September. Based on that timeline, Nichia's production capacity for the enhanced LED backlighting chips is expected to be booked up by Apple in the second half of 2018.

Additional details on what to expect in the iPhones coming in 2018, likely in the September timeframe, can be found in our 2018 iPhones roundup.

Article Link: Apple to Use Bezel-Reducing Backlighting Chips in Upcoming 6.1-inch LCD iPhone

Hey Apple how about updating an iPhone with a smaller form factor?

I don't want 6.1" beast and I won't pay for the "privilege" of OLED.

Actually Apple, how about getting rid of that hideous notch first, then work on getting rid of that ancient looking 4mm bezel that goes around your whole phone. Nasty.

But the Mac offers an interesting design space for FaceID WITHOUT THE NOTCH.... Time to copy Redmond!

 

[TimmeyCook]

That makes that LCD iPhone X more realistic.

I knew that Apple would NEVER make phones with those ugly uneven chins we see in every “bezel-less” Android phones.

 

[ksec]

Vivo Nex, Oppo Find X. Take your Apple glasses off.

Gosh, Having watched closely the Chinese Android market for years, along with Samsung, the Vivo Nex is the first phone I thought, this might actually make a dent. The OS UI, ( Actually all Chinese Android UI ) are pretty good, at least good in copying / mimic iOS as much as they could.

For around the same price as the rumoured iPhone 6.1", $599 USD.

 

[Freida]

Why do we need to get bigger and bigger phones all the time. My small hands can't take it and it was already struggle to learn 4.7 on iPhone 6. Can we just not have something around 5 in small package? It would be perfect for a lot of people that don't have huge hands.

 

[Kiorr]

So Ming-Chi Kuo was wrong!!!

 

[dominiongamma]

Why do we need to get bigger and bigger phones all the time. My small hands can't take it and it was already struggle to learn 4.7 on iPhone 6. Can we just not have something around 5 in small package? It would be perfect for a lot of people that don't have huge hands.

Because majority want bigger phones now and that’s the era we are in, 5.8 is the new 4.7 now

 

[H.E. Pennypacker]

Vivo Nex, Oppo Find X. Take your Apple glasses off.

I still see bezels.

 

[Freida]

Because majority want bigger phones now and that’s the era we are in, 5.8 is the new 4.7 now

I wouldn't say that. They are releasing 3 models based on this rumor so why can't one of them be 'normal' size? Not everyone wants a phablet and not everyone is anatomically suited to use one anyway. Have one model in the lineup that caters for those that want iPhone 8 form in smaller package. Everybody wins.

 

[H.E. Pennypacker]

Gosh, Having watched closely the Chinese Android market for years, along with Samsung, the Vivo Nex is the first phone I thought, this might actually make a dent. The OS UI, ( Actually all Chinese Android UI ) are pretty good, at least good in copying / mimic iOS as much as they could.

For around the same price as the rumoured iPhone 6.1", $599 USD.

You get what you pay for cheap Chinese product.

 

[mazz0]

I still see bezels.

Smaller though, which is the point he was making.

 

[dominiongamma]

I wouldn't say that. They are releasing 3 models based on this rumor so why can't one of them be 'normal' size? Not everyone wants a phablet and not everyone is anatomically suited to use one anyway. Have one model in the lineup that caters for those that want iPhone 8 form in smaller package. Everybody wins.

But when the powerful tech is in the bigger versions people will complain then, I’m all for smaller phones but to reduce the price some tech would have to be cut from it and to separate it from the other iPhones

 

[H3LL5P4WN]

Vivo Nex, Oppo Find X. Take your Apple glasses off.

Those aren't smartphones, those are China-only tech demos. And bad ones at that.

 

[Paleworm]

Why do we need to get bigger and bigger phones all the time. My small hands can't take it and it was already struggle to learn 4.7 on iPhone 6. Can we just not have something around 5 in small package? It would be perfect for a lot of people that don't have huge hands.

I agree wholeheartedly. However, I have given up my hopes for such a phone and have at the very least found that these newer phone-handling accessories like pop sockets and cases with loops or rings on the back do make one-handing a larger phone more bearable. At least that’s what I tell myself as this next product launch approaches.

 

[Aston441]

I'll get the LCD phone because of the LCD.

I am NOT HAPPY about being stuck with the lower quality camera unless I get the inferior yet more expensive prone to burn in and fading, flickering OLED.

Yes I know most can't see the flicker. I can and it drives me nuts.

 

[Mr.Blacky]

Vivo Nex, Oppo Find X. Take your Apple glasses off.

They all have a thicker bezel on the bottom.

 

[Achillias]

Are you blind? They all have a thicker bezel on the bottom.

You are the only person here who fit that credential. The bottom bezel of the Oppo Find X is 2.8 mm the iPhone X 4+mm. It's called optical illusion. Look it up in the books.
[doublepost=1531236011][/doublepost]

Those aren't smartphones, those are China-only tech demos. And bad ones at that.

Those are not demo's and are far from bad. You'll need to do some fact checks before posting ridiculous statements.