A new report indicates Apple"s next iPhone will feature a thinner screen. The screen is reportedly currently being manufactured by Apple"s Asian supply chain partners in preparation for a launch that would likely take place later this year.
According to The Wall Street Journal, three of Apple"s manufacturing partners – Sharp, Japan Display and LG Display – are currently manufacturing the "panels for the next iPhone using so-called in-cell technology." The technology, the article says, eliminates the need for a second touch-screen layer over a traditional LCD screen as it integrates sensors directly into the screen. Such a technology would both make the screen thinner and improve image quality.
The article states the three manufacturers are having issues creating the new screens, as they find the manufacturing process "challenging and time-consuming" as they try to achieve the high yield rates required by Apple for the next iPhone.
Apple"s next iPhone is expected to launch in the fall and feature a larger screen to rival Samsung"s recently launched Galaxy S III. The new screen is expected to measure at least 4 inches diagonally, an increase over the current iPhone"s diagonal screen size of 3.5 inches. If the screen size is indeed increased, it would mark the first time the iPhone has gotten a larger screen. By making the screen thinner, Apple could offset the increase in weight that would typically come with implementing a larger screen.
Source: The Wall Street Journal