Apple is expected to dramatically redesign the iPhone in 2017 while introducing at least one model with an OLED display. Supply chain analyst firm KGI Securities has now issued a new report predicting how Apple’s flagship iPhone lineup will look next year with new details on different screen sizes, display types, and camera features.
According to the report, Apple is expected to introduce three new iPhone models in 2017. One model will feature the OLED display, while two models will continue to use the TFT-LCD technology. The dual camera introduced on the iPhone 7 Plus will continue to only be offered on the 5.5-inch models, not the 4.7-inch model. If this pans out, Apple’s iPhone lineup would look something like this:
- 4.7-inch iPhone with LCD display and single camera
- 5.5-inch iPhone model with LCD display and dual camera
- 5.5-inch iPhone model with OLED display and dual camera
One could guess that the 5.5-inch model with an OLED display could create a higher price tier than the $649 and $769 prices for the entry level iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus models currently.
While the report focuses mainly on which display sizes will adopt OLED and which camera will be paired with each model, the report is on the conservative side compared to other recent rumors of bezel-less 5-inch and 5.8-inch iPhones.
KGI has also predicted on multiple occasions that the iPhone 8 design will return to an all-glass design last seen on the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s. The idea is that customers prefer the glossy look of the jet black iPhone 7 casing, but the stainless steel material is more prone to scratching than harder glass (although glass tends to crack instead).
As for the OLED display, Apple currently employs the screen tech on Apple Watches and the new MacBook Pro with Touch Bar. iPhones have yet to see OLED displays enter the product line. Sharp’s CEO recently stated publicly that the next iPhone is likely to use his company’s OLED screens, however, while Samsung and LG were said to be at war over who would win Apple’s business for OLED displays.
At any rate, it sounds like the smaller iPhone models won’t see the dual camera next year, and the superior display type may be reserved for a premium tier of larger iPhones.
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