Apple Working on Thinner, Brighter Displays at Secret Taiwanese Lab

[SesameWasher]

I fully expect my iPhone 10 to be a hologram. "Hey Siri" and up she pops in all her lusciousness.

Some here however will still complain she's too fat or her boobs are too small.

Actually, might complete opposite.
Some people might complain she it's too skinny and her boobs are too big.

 

[ILikeAllOS]

People are expecting Apple to just throw in an OLED panel in the not so distant future but if Apple is working on displays in a secret laboratory then I have to suspect that Apple might be working on a totally unexpected display panel.
Maybe Apple is going to keep using LCD panels but they're working on implementing quantum dots into the display? Now that would be awesome!

 

[jamesrick80]

People are expecting Apple to just throw in an OLED panel in the not so distant future but if Apple is working on displays in a secret laboratory then I have to suspect that Apple might be working on a totally unexpected display panel.
Maybe Apple is going to keep using LCD panels but they're working on implementing quantum dots into the display? Now that would be awesome!

They would certainly need help from LG for quantum dot technology. If LG were better with their quality control, I think Apple would use them to make their next generation displays but they are not the greatest according to all of the V10 screens that have been cracking etc.

 

[Aston441]

So you also hate Apple Watch?

"Hate" is too strong a word. "Completely Indifferent" is my current attitude toward Apple Watch.

I may change my opinion when they add a cellular radio and GPS, and then learn to live with the shortcomings of OLED.

 

[Aston441]

Most likely because OLED used to suck.(pixelated pen-tile, bad color gamut and balance, burn-in, and color fade) But the technology has improved considerably in the last 5-7 years, and these problems have been mostly solved now.

Why do people keep saying this?!?!? Is LG posting here?

It has NOT been solved, not even mosty. Go to a cell phone store and see for yourself.

 

[doelcm82]

"over any further slimming down"

I think the current devices achieve a great balance. We're approaching the limit of some core pieces of functionality - camera, headphone jack, etc. We've reached the point in device profile where the functionality is (or should be) more important than grams or millimeters.

In two years, I fully expect rumors that the iPhone 8 will be even thinner than the iPhone 7(S) to be met with similar statements. But it will be the iPhone 7 that is the new standard for how thin a phone should be (and no thinner).

To prepare for that not too distant future, I will pre-adopt the iPhone 7 as my new favorite thickness for iPhones.

Apple should absolutely not go thinner than the iPhone 7. It's going to be the perfect thickness, and all but a tiny minority will agree on that point when the iPhone 8's thickness is speculated upon, leaked, and then released.

The iPhone 8 will then become the new standard, and so on.

 

[peterdevries]

If you still have this in your history listings, could you please give us the link. Thank you.

He said that the "laws of physics don't always apply".

 

[christian_koehler]

Many people forget: Bad network reception can reduce battery life dramatically.
Using the phone on the Berlin public transport (especially the Underground) will consume lots of juice because the phone has to switch between 2G/3G / LTE , maybe roam between the E+ and O2 networks and transmit at high power levels frequently.

Batteries degrade over time. They are weak if you use them outside in cold weather.

You don't have to be a phone geek to drain a phone battery within a day.

Tech bloggers and those who worship them could use a reminder that the world does not revolve around them or their unhealthy usage patterns.

Oh oh... I run 40 miles a week and can do a Marathon quite easily. I don't think there is anything 'unhealthy' with my lifestyle. Yet, I do complain. Battery life on modern smartphones is too low. I don't even expect the phone to be able to track a multi hour run. I use a running watch for that. I don't watch movies on the phone, I don't game either. It is barely enough for a day just with usual phone applications (messaging, mail, a little browsing, sometimes snapshots).

I don't think Apple will make a thicker phone. But if they are able to safe space on the display they should use that for a larger battery and not make an even thinner phone.

Christian

 

[Keirasplace]

OLED is the best screen technology in the industry....proven by critics and displaymate

So, how does displaymate test long term reliability... They don't.
How does displaymate test cost of manufacturing of larger displays... They don't
Did you even answer me? No.

BTW, the differences are marginal on the whole to a human being
with normal vision between the best screens of either tech and there are some trade offs for OLED.

 

[jamesrick80]

So, how does displaymate test long term reliability... They don't.
How does displaymate test cost of manufacturing of larger displays... They don't
Did you even answer me? No.

BTW, the differences are marginal on the whole to a human being
with normal vision between the best screens of either tech and there are some trade offs for OLED.

Who keeps there phones longer than 3 years, I'm sure you will have a shiny new phone so not many of us wonder about longevity. I have never had a amoled screen go bad are burn in on me and usually keep my devices one or two years...now one year ....

 

[Keirasplace]

Who keeps there phones longer than 3 years, I'm sure you will have a shiny new phone so not many of us wonder about longevity. I have never had a amoled screen go bad are burn in on me and usually keep my devices one or two years...now one year ....

I do and tens of millions of others do too, speak for yourself next time. My last Iphone lasted 5 years.
The Ipad 2 is still used by tens of millions.
Iphones tend to passed on or sold after use, so they're in use for way longer than the the OLED others produce. Android is basically a buy and throw away thing since google doesn't a crap about getting the OS upgraded on older phones.

And then there are yields, manufacturing costs and difficulty getting a massive volume (which Apple would have to worry about)

 

[the8thark]

“Not thin enough. Get rid of the display.” —Jony Ive

The only thin getting fat at Apple is Jon Ive himself.

 

[iPadCary]

I hate OLED so much.
The best thing about the iPhone is the lack of it.

What makes you hate it? Just curious.

 

[kingtj]

Spoiler: Apple inserts magnesium strips behind screen of new iPads and instructs you to light the top edge. Thinner and MUCH brighter! 12 pack of replacement strips will be available in Apple Retail stores in coming months for just $19.99/ea.

 

[Jim Lahey]

Battery life on modern smartphones is too low.

The logical solution to this problem is to design and manufacture your own, since the best engineers and scientists in the world are clearly unable to accommodate your simple request.

But seriously, you are of course entitled to your opinion. Just be aware that, on the whole, it is not shared by the overwhelming majority. That being those who do not post on tech sites or even care about them. Ergo nearly everyone else on the planet.

 

[BernyMac]

Spoiler: Apple inserts magnesium strips behind screen of new iPads and instructs you to light the top edge. Thinner and MUCH brighter! 12 pack of replacement strips will be available in Apple Retail stores in coming months for just $19.99/ea.

Sweet! Serves as an emergency flare when you absolutely have zero bars!

 

[scoobydoo99]

It's one of those things you don't realise or appreciate until you get it, then you get so used to the new status quo that you can't go back to anything worse.

I didn't think my iPhone 4s was too thick or heavy...until I laid my hands on an iPhone 5 / 5s and after some time with my 5s, I picked up a 4s and was like "gosh, didn't remember this thing being so heavy before".

Yes, and also, "Gosh, this feels so much more substantial, high quality, durable, and luxurios than those new, light, cheap, crappy phones Apple makes now."

A Swatch is a lot thinner and lighter than a Rolex. Doesn't make it better.

 

[jamesrick80]

I do and tens of millions of others do too, speak for yourself next time. My last Iphone lasted 5 years.
The Ipad 2 is still used by tens of millions.
Iphones tend to passed on or sold after use, so they're in use for way longer than the the OLED others produce. Android is basically a buy and throw away thing since google doesn't a crap about getting the OS upgraded on older phones.

And then there are yields, manufacturing costs and difficulty getting a massive volume (which Apple would have to worry about)

Wow 5 years, phones will be creating holograms by next time you upgrade. The exact reason why I'm glad I prefer apple tablets and prefer samsung flagship phones (use virtual reality head gear often). I prefer the latest and greatest although it seems like you dont. I also use a iphone 6s plus as a second line too although the device is not used much.

 

[flux73]

I don't have particularly significant battery issues, particularly after switching to a 6S+. But I'd advocate for a healthy reserve over any further slimming down in the pursuit of some arbitrary thinness mandate. Constantly plugging in is a terrible user experience.

I'm not constantly plugged in. In fact I'm hardly ever plugged in except at night. My point is that on the rare occasion I need it, I can easily charge the phone. Charging time doesn't take long so unless your eyes or ears are glued to the phone, I find it hard to believe that any real live person doesn't have a half hour during the day to leave a phone to charge.

Apple's iPhone slimming has never resulted in significantly shorter battery life. They have always designed it so that the phone would last an entire 'normal' day. If more people are running into battery issues, it may also be because the usage of phones is different now. e.g. One may be more apt to use maps or videos because of a larger screen.

 

[Keirasplace]

Wow 5 years, phones will be creating holograms by next time you upgrade. The exact reason why I'm glad I prefer apple tablets and prefer samsung flagship phones (use virtual reality head gear often). I prefer the latest and greatest although it seems like you dont. I also use a iphone 6s plus as a second line too although the device is not used much.

I buy what I need, not what I want. I bought an Ipad pro mostly because of my job while still living with an older phone.
Also, as I said, the reason Iphones have such high resale value (more than offsetting their high price) is their durability.
IOS devices are used a hell of a long time. There is an irony there that part of the reason Android devices have such high sales is that they tend to not last as long on the whole (either because the hardware fails or you're can't upgrade the software).

 

[2IS]

if you can't live with modern smartphone battery life then you need to stop staring at a screen all day and get out some more...8 hours every day on your phone????

here's a suggestion: try TALKING to actual people

Some people have business to run which include a lot of emailing, texting, phone calls, hot spot. That's before we get into, what appears to the only thing you use a smart phone for, which is socializing. Some of us also like catching up on news/sports during a lunch break and then perhaps at the end of the day going to the gym and using that same phone they used for emailing, texting, phone calls, hot spot, social networking, news and sports as a fitness device. Be it simply for music, or music and other aspects of training.

You may not have a whole lot going on in your day to day life, which is fine, but please don't make the mistake of assuming everyone's life is just as simplistic.

 

[Abazigal]

Yes, and also, "Gosh, this feels so much more substantial, high quality, durable, and luxurios than those new, light, cheap, crappy phones Apple makes now."

A Swatch is a lot thinner and lighter than a Rolex. Doesn't make it better.

Depends on your definition of better.

I understand the market for luxury watches has its place and can see why some people are willing to pay substantial sums of money for them, but I am not one of them.

I am currently using a Pebble Watch, and when I do upgrade, it will be to an Apple Watch, not a Rolex or some other luxury brand.

 

[peterdevries]

Yes, and also, "Gosh, this feels so much more substantial, high quality, durable, and luxurios than those new, light, cheap, crappy phones Apple makes now.."

The iPhone 7 is noticably heavier than the 6.

 

[peterdevries]

if you can't live with modern smartphone battery life then you need to stop staring at a screen all day and get out some more...8 hours every day on your phone????

here's a suggestion: try TALKING to actual people

Absolutely ridiculous statement. I manage a team of people in Italy, USA and Belgium from Amsterdam, do you want me to shout at them really loud all day from a window? Some people use their phones for other things than just whatsapp and Facebook.

 

[Talahamut]

Any way I can get a display that goes dimmer? The 6+ screen is still blindingly bright in a dark room even with the brightness all the way down.