Sam OliverA new report out of China claims that Apple is considering a new display technology, dubbed "touch-on," for use in its next iPhone model to address issues with the current "in-cell" display found in the iPhone 5.
Apple has reportedly contracted with Chimei Innolux, Taiwan's largest LCD maker, for the next-generation panels, according to The China Times (via AppAdvice). Apple's interest has reportedly been prompted by alleged "interference problems" with the recently released iPhone 5.
The iPhone 5 marked the debut of new touchscreen technology in Apple's smartphone: in-cell touch panels, allowing for a thinner design by combining the touch sensor and display into one component. Rumors of Apple's adoption of in-cell panels swirled in the company's overseas supply chain for months, and proved to be true when the iPhone 5 debuted.
An issue with the iPhone 5 display in which the screen pauses or seemingly ignores touch input was publicized in November. The problem can be seen by rapidly swiping back and forth diagonally on the touchscreen of the iPhone 5, while previous iPhone models did not exhibit this behavior.
Initial reports suggested the iPhone 5 scrolling "glitch" was in fact a hardware issue related to the new iPhone 5 in-cell touch panel. Thursday's report from the Times supports that conclusion, explaining that the technology has embedded the TFT touch panel and touch sensors on the same side, resulting in interference.
Thursday's report also reiterated earlier reports that claimed production issues with the in-cell technology led to supply constraints of the iPhone 5 at launch.
The alternative "touch-on display" technology from Chimei Innolux is said to be both thin and durable, while offering better touch sensing capabilities.
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22 Comments
I don't have the issue on my 5 that the video shows. I think the current tech works fine.
My iP5 running 6.1 (10B5126b) will eventually stop scrolling when doing this angled swiping, but that's not exactly what I would consider a problem, given I'm NEVER fast swiping back and forth at an angle in the first place. Is this really a problem? I suppose there might be some ridiculously stupid game that requires you to continuously swipe at an angle fast for an extended time, but come on. I see this "problem" as very similar to the problems you see when you strike the glass screen with a hammer. Do something stupid like this, and guess what happens?
This is why the "S" version of every iPhone is the best. All the bugs are worked out.
This is why the "S" version of every iPhone is the best. All the bugs are worked out.
Depends on what you mean by "best." A lot of people don't want to buy a product that is nothing more than a polished version of old technology, especially when it requires a 2 year contract and they know the "real" new version is coming in less than 12 months.
That being said, I absolutely love my iPhone 4S and my next upgrade will probably be just in time for the 5S.
Yes it's a problem. For games, fast scrolling (to get to the bottom of a big document, and your finger motions aren't going to be perfect nor should they be constrained by a tech issue) and for graphics/painting apps where users are likely to sketch/draw/paint very briskly. The hardware should ALWAYS keep up with the user. Same for the OS. ALWAYS. Making a user accommodate the system is the opposite of human interface design.