A new report claims Apple is meting out display orders for its next-generation iPhone lineup, which is rumored to include two OLED versions -- 5.8 and 6.5 inches -- and a 6.1-inch LCD variant.
2018 iPhone mockups by Curved.
Without citing sources, the China Times reports Apple will rely on Samsung for its OLED iPhone panel needs in 2018, similar to last year's iPhone X supply strategy. Currently, Apple orders OLED displays from Samsung and LG, the latter of which provides parts for Apple Watch.
Earlier this month, reports claimed LG, Sharp and Japan Displayare all gunning to join Apple's OLED iPhone production roster this year, though the firms' production capabilities have yet to be maximized. LG, thought to have the greatest potential of becoming a secondary OLED iPhone display supplier, is aiming for full production capacity in 2019, while Foxconn-owned Sharp began investing in manufacturing assets last March.
Apple is rumored to introduce a successor model to the 5.8-inch iPhone X alongside a plus-sized 6.5-inch version as part of its annual iPhone refresh cycle later this year. A 6.1-inch LCD iPhone is rumored to sit between the two models, and like its OLED siblings will feature an edge-to-edge display and Face ID technology.
According to today's report, Japan Display will supply 18:9 LCD panels for the 6.1-inch smartphone, with LG pitching in. General Interface Solution and TPK Holding are said to be supplying touch panel modules for the LCD iPhone. Rumors last year pegged both GIS and TPK as thin-film suppliers for iPhone X.
Japanese blog Mac Otakara reported on the latest iPhone supply rumors earlier today.
Rumors of this year's iPhone trio began to circulate shortly after iPhone X and iPhone 8 debuted last September.
Most recently, noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said he believes Apple will opt to discontinue iPhone X in 2018 to maintain a consistent premium product mentality. The company normally keeps the preceding year's Phone in its lineup, dropping the price to present consumers with a cheaper purchasing option.