Future iPhones could make bendable displays a reality
Over the past few months, there have been no shortage of rumors pointing to Apple’s flagship iPhone 8 featuring a wraparound OLED display. Furthermore, it’s widely believed that Apple, in an effort to minimize the size of the iPhone’s bezels, has even come up with a way to integrate various sensors into the display itself. This of course is welcome and exciting news for existing iPhone owners, especially considering that Apple’s iPhone design has more or less remained the same since 2014.
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That said, a wraparound OLED display may only be the beginning of Apple’s exploration into new and compelling form factors. According to a new report from The Wall Street Journal, Apple is currently researching the possibility of using flexible LCD screens in future iPhone models. This, too, would enable Apple to roll out iPhone models with curved and bendable displays.
The battle to produce flexible smartphone screens is heating up with an entry from an Apple Inc. supplier in Japan that says it can reduce the cost by adapting existing technology.
Japan Display Inc. said Wednesday it plans start providing flexible liquid-crystal-display panels in 2018, part of the financially stressed company’s effort to come back against South Korean competition.
One point worth noting is that the aforementioned flexible LCD screens are comprised of plastic but still aren’t as bendable OLED panels. Nonetheless, Japan Display’s ongoing research into the technology underscores that Apple is keen on completely revamping the look and feel of future iPhone models.
The report indicates that mass production on the flexible LCD screens isn’t slated to begin until 2018. Incidentally, it’s worth noting that Apple’s consideration of flexible LCD screens may have something to do with what will likely be a supply shortage of flexible OLED panels.
All that said, don’t expect to see a foldable iPhone from Apple anytime soon. As we’ve seen over the past few years, Apple isn’t exactly in a rush to completely turn the standard smartphone form factor on its head. Not to worry, though, Samsung will reportedly release the world’s first foldable smartphone later this year.
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