AppleInsider Staff
Apple is preparing to ramp up production of displays bound for next-generation iPhones which, according to Reuters, will launch this fall in 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch varieties.
Citing supply chain sources, Reuters on Tuesday reported that Apple partner display manufacturer Japan Display will be first to start mass production of 4.7-inch panels bound for the so-called "iPhone 6" as early as May, with Sharp and LG Display to follow in June. Current iPhone 5s and 5c models sport a 4-inch display.
A second, larger 5.5-inch version is also on the way, but difficulties with in-cell manufacturing methods have delayed a ramp to mass production. An initial kick-off date is unknown, but suppliers are expected to begin manufacturing the large phablet-size screen "several months" after the 4.7-inch version. To push production forward, Apple could initially fall back on older thin film technology for the 5.5-inch display, then switch to in-cell at a later date, sources said.
According to the publication both new iPhone models were slated to use in-cell touchscreens, a technology that slims down the overall thickness of a device's touch panel by incorporating capacitive touch sensors into the LCD array. Apple first employed the tech in 2012 with the iPhone 5.
The latest rumors run counter to a report from Japanese financial publication Nikkei, which last week said Apple was already producing 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch displays to be used in the next iPhone. While the publications disagree on a manufacturing start date, they agree on screen sizes and suppliers.
Along with the reported bump in screen size, rumors surrounding Apple's next flagship handset abound. The most recent speculation ranges from the inclusion of sapphire displays to a new 10-megapixel f/1.8 camera module with interchangeable lenses.
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49 Comments
Is this earlier than prior iPhone screen production ramp-ups? Apple must expect huge demand, if they're starting production in May for a September release. No more out-of-stock for Apple products from now on ;)
I love the idea of staggering the release dates, even it's not intentional. As long as they can get the bigger phone on the shelf by November, Apple will end up selling 70mil iPhones this Holiday qtr. I can't wait to finally watch movies, read, prepare documents etc on my iPhone. It's been a long time coming...if this rumor is true. I might just end up getting both sizes.
Prediction: The 5.5 inch will be this season's 6C. Same resolution as 4.7 inch phone, A7 and current camera.
[quote name="Eric38" url="/t/176821/reuters-production-of-iphone-6-screens-to-begin-in-may-5-5-model-delayed#post_2507799"]Is this earlier than prior iPhone screen production ramp-ups? Apple must expect huge demand, if they're starting production in May for a September release. No more out-of-stock for Apple products from now on ;)[/quote] Yeah, that and maybe releasing the new product in more countries on the release date. It seem Apple is hitting more countries about the same date with each new release. I'm thinking this will not just be an incremental advancement... the 64-bit chip will be put to task, leaving Samscum panting to claim, "me too."
I don't know man. For me I get frustrated when I can't use my iPhone 5 with one hand. Usually that's when waking up or going to sleep. But I like the sleekness of this size device. I just can't see myself wanting something that's as big as even 4.7 inches let alone 5.5 inches. I'm definitely not getting the 5.5 inch one if one comes out but the 4.7 inch one if that's the only new one available in a moderately small size then I'll probably get that one.