While the handsets are still on track to launch September, Apple's 2017 iPhone lineup --Â led by an anticipated high-end OLED model --Â is rumored to go into production earlier than the usual timeframe, in a move that could allow the company more time to iron out kinks associated with new technology.
'iPhone 8' concept rendering by Marek Weidlich.
Citing its usual sources in the supply chain, DigiTimes reported on Friday that Apple has asked its chip and component suppliers to start trial production and inspection and begin preparing their inventories for this year's new iPhone series at an earlier point in the year than usual. Specifically, parts and chips are expected to be delivered to Apple late in the first quarter of 2017.
In particular, Apple is rumored to be looking to get a head start on the "iPhone 8," which is rumored to introduce a wide array of new technologies, headlined by an edge-to-edge OLED display. The report suggested that suppliers in Taiwan will begin working on OLED panel bonding for the "iPhone 8," with screens provided by Samsung Display, around the end of the first quarter.