Last year, renowned KGI Securities Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo called the OLED iPhone 7 rumor rubbish , but now the upgrade seems to hold merit thanks to the latest report from DigiTimes . Insider sources predict the Apple is working on a 5.8-inch OLED iPhone for 2017 release. The site even suggests the new model, which would be larger than the iPhone 6s Plus and the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, could be renamed the iPhone Pro.
While at first the rumor seemed like a stretch, DisplayMate’s Ray Soneira found a patent from 2011 that outlines the rumor may have solid ground. Soneira suggests that Apple’s OLED display would extend over the edges of the devices, stretching the screen over the existing volume, ringer, and power buttons. Those buttons would no longer exist on the hypothetical iPhone 7 Pro. Instead, the OLED screen would recognize gestures and ‘virtual’ buttons as Apple calls them in the patent. Soneira dubs Apple’s proposal as ‘side screens.’ According to the reports mentioned above, Samsung would manufacture most of the OLED screens, with Japan Display and LG taking on the rest.
Here is an excerpt from Apple’s patent filing that describes ‘flexible’ displays.
“Bent flexible displays may be bent to form front side displays and edge displays... Edge displays may alternately function as virtual buttons, virtual switches, or informational displays that are supplemental to front side displays. Virtual buttons may include transparent button members, lenses, haptic feedback components, audio feedback components, or other components for providing feedback to a user when virtual buttons are activated.”
Ming-Chi Kuo has struck down all rumors regarding Apple adopting an OLED screen anytime soon. Kuo has claimed time and time again that shift won’t happen until at least 2019. Meanwhile, Apple is expected to unveil a 4-inch iPhone known as the iPhone 5SE late-March. The handset will have the same features as the iPhone 6s, except won’t get 3D Touch. A 9.7-inch iPad Pro and a refreshed FaceTime capable Apple Watch are also expected to debut.
Alongside a dual-lens camera upgrade, Apple is also rumored to incorporate wireless charging technology and a new stereo speaker in the iPhone 7. A lightning port will reportedly replace the 3.5mm headphone jack. To make up for the traditional headphone jack, Apple may pair the iPhone 7 ‘Pro’ with detachable hybrid EarPods. If Apple follows annual patterns, the iPhone 7 will release in Fall 2016.
