14 DAY TRIAL // The 2019 iPhone lineup is the last one to use LCD screens, as Apple would make the full switch to OLED beginning with 2020.
This is according to a report from Digitimes, which adds that the 2020 iPhone generation will introduce a smaller model as well.
Right now, the iPhone lineup comprises three different sizes, namely 5.8-inch iPhone XS (OLED), 6.1-inch iPhone XR (LCD), and 6.5-inch iPhone XS Max (OLED). Next year, Apple will launch a new iPhone with a 5.42-inch OLED display, alongside updated versions of the XR and XS Max with 6.06-inch and 6.67-inch displays.
By the looks of things, the iPhone XR, which itself will give up on LCD for OLED next year, will feature a slightly smaller screen, whereas the Max will actually come with a larger panel.
Smaller iPhone with Samsung displays
According to the same source, the smaller iPhone with a 5.42-inch display would feature screen technology developed by either Samsung or LG. Right now, Apple is said to be exploring two different panels, namely the Samsung Display Y-Octa and the LG Display’s TOE touch system, with the first currently in pole-position.
Apple thinks Y-Octa better fits its plans for a smaller iPhone, as it’s built without a film substrate, but with the touch circuit attached to the encapsulation layer. This makes the screen overall thinner.
The source also indicates that iPhone sales could go as high as 82 million units in the first half of the year and then jump to 190 million by December 31. This year, however, Apple will introduce upgrades to all three models currently in its lineup, including for the LCD-based iPhone XR.
Top-rated Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes Apple is already working on major upgrades for the 2019 iPhone lineup, including larger batteries and reverse wireless charging to wirelessly charge other devices.