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Sharp announces it will ship screens for Apple's next iPhone this month

Sharp's new president announced on Thursday that his company will begin shipping displays for Apple's next-generation iPhone this month.

Takashi Okuda made a rare public acknowledgement of Apple components while speaking at a press briefing, according to Reuters. The Sharp executive announced that shipments will begin in August, but declined to give any more details on the display.

Apple's sixth-generation iPhone is widely expected to have a slightly taller display that will measure 4-inches diagonally, but will retain the same width as the current iPhone screen. Those rumors have been supported by leaked parts that show a redesigned iPhone with a larger screen.

Sharp has been previously identified as a likely supplier of screens for Apple's next iPhone. The new handset is expected to feature in-cell touch panel technology that will allow the touchscreen to be even thinner, giving Apple more flexibility in the design of its next iPhone.

Apple is expected to hold an event on September 12 to unveil its next iPhone. Historically, Apple publicly launches new iPhone models less than two weeks after they are unveiled.

Sharp has been rumored since late last year to provide its own LCD display technology known as IGZO, or indium gallium zinc oxide, for Apple's portable devices. However, earlier this year it was said that sharp's IGZO technology didn't meet Apple's standards for its third-generation iPad with Retina display.

Earlier this year, Apple manufacturing partner Foxconn bought a 10 percent stake in Sharp, worth $808 million. That investment fueled speculation that both companies were partnering in hopes of securing orders from Apple for a rumored television set from the company.