Analyst hints at new feature coming on this year’s iPhone

Jan 23, 2017 12:31 GMT  ·  By

Rumor has it that at least one iPhone 8 model will come with an OLED screen as part of Apple’s transition off LCD, and according to a new report, this upgrade forces Cupertino to modify and improve some other technologies as well.

One of them is the 3D Touch system, which is very likely to be upgraded with the release of the iPhone 8, mostly because the existing system cannot be used with an OLED screen.

As you’ve probably heard before, the next iPhone is expected to come with an OLED screen - there are rumors, however, that only one model would be launched with this panel, while the others would stick with the traditional LCD available on the current generation.

Because Apple will use a flexible display panel, the existing 3D Touch sensors won’t be compatible with the new models, so Apple will likely switch from the FBCB sensor to a film version. KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says he believes that this would in turn bring higher sensitivity and more 3D Touch pressure levels.

Gradual transition from LCD to OLED

Apple, however, is planning a gradual transition from LCD to OLED, and while the next-generation will only come with just a single model featuring this new panel, it’s believed that the 2018 model would actually feature OLED on all versions.

In addition to these upgrades, the iPhone 8 could also come with other upgrades, including a long-range wireless charging system that Apple is reportedly working on as we speak.

This charging system wouldn’t rely on a traditional charging plate, as is the case with the existing implementations available on today’s smartphones, but on a transmitter connected to power and offering a range of up to 5 meters. This means that you could recharge the iPhone from across the room, without the need for any cables.

Without a doubt, the next iPhone would come with a plethora of upgrades, mostly because the existing seventh generation has already been considered to be a dull overhaul of the previous generation. The 2017 model also marks the 10th anniversary of the iPhone.