Apple is separating the new smartphones into its usual low-cost versus high-cost categories, with big differences between the two models coming down to the camera, display, and battery life.
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LG Said to Supply Apple With Foldable Displays for Future iPhones
LG's display division is developing and will start mass-producing foldable displays for smartphones in 2018, and supply them to Apple, Google, and Microsoft, according to South Korean website ETNews.
LG has shown off various futuristic-looking curved and foldable display prototypes over the past three years, including one with a book-like design and another that can be rolled up like a newspaper. Both designs take advantage of the flexible property of OLED displays, compared to rigid LCD displays in current iPhones.
LG foldable display prototype shown at CES 2013
Multiple rumors point towards Apple releasing a new iPhone with an OLED display and glass casing at the high end of its smartphone lineup next year, but the reports suggest the display will be curved rather than foldable. With more than ten iPhone prototypes in testing, however, the exact design remains to be seen.
The all-new premium model is expected to have at least a 5-inch display, with early rumors claiming it could be up to a 5.8-inch device. Samsung is expected to be the primary—and possibly sole—supplier of OLED displays for Apple, at least until LG joins the mix in 2018 or later if today's report proves to be accurate.
LG curved display prototype
Next year's iPhones could have bezel-free designs and no physical Home buttons, as some reports claim Touch ID will be integrated directly into the display as now possible. Apple has filed patents for flexible OLED displays with both curved and foldable designs, confirming it has at least explored both sides of the coin.
Apple's foldable display patent describes how the display could fold outward, allowing both halves of the screen to remain accessible when the phone is closed shut. The two sides would connect via a clamshell-like hinge that allows them to rotate relative to each other, while flexible printed circuit boards keep the connection intact.
LG has shown off various futuristic-looking curved and foldable display prototypes over the past three years, including one with a book-like design and another that can be rolled up like a newspaper. Both designs take advantage of the flexible property of OLED displays, compared to rigid LCD displays in current iPhones.
Multiple rumors point towards Apple releasing a new iPhone with an OLED display and glass casing at the high end of its smartphone lineup next year, but the reports suggest the display will be curved rather than foldable. With more than ten iPhone prototypes in testing, however, the exact design remains to be seen.
The all-new premium model is expected to have at least a 5-inch display, with early rumors claiming it could be up to a 5.8-inch device. Samsung is expected to be the primary—and possibly sole—supplier of OLED displays for Apple, at least until LG joins the mix in 2018 or later if today's report proves to be accurate.
Next year's iPhones could have bezel-free designs and no physical Home buttons, as some reports claim Touch ID will be integrated directly into the display as now possible. Apple has filed patents for flexible OLED displays with both curved and foldable designs, confirming it has at least explored both sides of the coin.
Apple's foldable display patent describes how the display could fold outward, allowing both halves of the screen to remain accessible when the phone is closed shut. The two sides would connect via a clamshell-like hinge that allows them to rotate relative to each other, while flexible printed circuit boards keep the connection intact.
Tags: LG Display, Foldable iPhone Guide
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Top Rated Comments
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36 months ago
That Westworld foldable iPhone Tablet is going to be a reality in the next couple years! :D
36 months ago
Well Tim Cook will most likely be dead by the time this rolls around. Any suggestions who will succeed him?
Scott Forstall
36 months ago
I wouldn't want a foldable iPhone, but a foldable iPad would be dope. make the outer shell strong enough and you wouldn't need a case for it. You could probably add some really awesome features to the iPad pro and make it closer to a "pro" product.
36 months ago
Not iPhones, iPads. The touchbar and larger touchpad is the beginning of this, I think. The MB/MBP line will eventually be more-or-less clamshelled iPads than can open up to a giant touchscreen or folded partway for a virtual KB/trackpad.
36 months ago
I can never trust these early speculations. My guess is next year the iPhone 8, or whatever they call it, looks more or less the same and it still has the big top and bottom bezel for the home button. I just don't see them going all screen as great as that would be.
36 months ago
That actually might be cool, now make bendable batteries. Lol.
You don't necessarily need the batteries to be bendable. Just have several smaller batteries spread around the device.
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