The next iPhone, dubbed as Apple's "Anniversary Edition", is nearly confirmed with curved OLED display that is made of plastic not glass on release date, according to new reports. The iPhone 8 package will also include touch-sensitive technology that likely will permit the use of virtual control keys on the device.
The Korea Herald reported that Apple is partnering with Samsung for a premium iPhone model with OLED front panel that measures diagonally no less than 5.5-inch. "The OLED version of the new iPhone will all be curved as Apple ordered all plastic OLED -- not glass -- from Samsung Display," the South Korean publication said.
It's unclear if OLED display will be found on all the iPhone models that Apple will issue in the second half of 2017 but the same report indicated that up to 100 million units of the device with the flexible front panel will ship out. "Samsung is capable of supplying a little less than 100 million units of curved OLED displays to Apple," the report stated.
It's possible too that the iPhone maker will source its 2017 OLED supply requirements from other suppliers like LG Display if only to ensure that the OLED iPhone 8 will arrive without delay and with sufficient supplies to go by.
And while curved OLED display is set to be part of the iPhone supply chain, there is little chance that Apple will design a foldable handset anytime soon. What is certain, The Korea Herald report added, is the introduction of touch-sensitive technology in time for the 10th year anniversary of the flagship device.
"The upcoming iPhone may use new sensing technology, which enables the phone to respond when users touch any side of the device," the local publication reported, pointing to an unidentified supply chain source it described as "familiar with the matter."
If true, the same tech appears to support the speculations that Apple plans to ditch the Home button and most of the physical control keys in favor of invisible controllers that will automatically activate when tapped by users.
The use of virtual keys is also in line with the rumors of an overhauled design for the next iPhone that will render the device as all-glass handset with the front panel boasting of an all-screen profile.
No specific details yet on the iPhone 8 release date in 2017 but Apple watchers are convinced that the new series will come out between September and October next year, powered by the combo of A11 processing chip and iOS 11.