A Wall Street Journal report claims Apple will only launch one new iPhone model next year with an OLED panel, owing to a shortage of OLED panels from suppliers, which is expected to run through 2017.
Currently, Samsung is the only major supplier of small OLED panels, which is the reason why Apple is not able to secure enough shipments for its entire 2017 iPhone lineup. However, the situation is expected to improve significantly by 2018, as other display manufacturers such as LG Display, Japan Display and Sharp will be ramping up their OLED production to meet Apple’s demands. As a result, the report claims, Apple could use OLED panels on all its new iPhone models launching in 2018. Samsung is expected to remain the major supplier of OLED panels even after the other display manufacturers start supplying their panels to Apple, at least until 2019.
The iPhone model with an OLED display next year is expected to sport an edge-to-edge design, with close to no bezels. Apple is rumored to get rid of the home button as well, which will help maximize the screen real estate. The Touch ID fingerprint scanner will be embedded under the display panel itself.
However, a recent rumor claims Apple will not be introducing any major exterior changes next year with its iPhone lineup, sticking with the same aluminum design as the current iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The only major changes will apparently be made under the hood. An all-new red color option is expected to be offered too.
Source: WSJ
