14 DAY TRIAL // Samsung Display is getting ready to start production of OLED displays for Apple's next iPhone generation, with a new report claiming that Cupertino has already approved the prototype panels a couple of weeks ago.
ET News reports that Samsung has already reached out to partners to order parts and materials for the manufacturing process of iPhone OLED displays, with Cupertino reportedly placing an order of 80 million units. This isn't the first time this figure is making the headlines, so there's a good chance it's real, as multiple sources have already confirmed it.
According to the terms of the deal, Samsung will manufacture around 10 million screens every month, which means that in September when Apple launches the new-generation iPhone, approximately 30 million units should be ready for hitting the shelves.
The display won't be curved, as is the case of the Samsung Galaxy S8, because of what Apple has reportedly described as "low functionality," so it'll use a flexible OLED to cover the entire front body. Details are sketchy right now, but the aforementioned report says Apple is aiming to offer a screen-to-body ratio similar to the Samsung Galaxy S8, which reaches 83.6 percent.
This in turn hints to some design improvements as well, with the new iPhone to feature smaller bezels and no home button to offer more screen space.
The OLED iPhone
The 2017 iPhone with an OLED screen, whose name is yet to be unveiled, will be the first iPhone in history coming with such a screen and, at the same time, it'll be the only version making the switch to OLED for this year's generation.
Instead, Apple plans to switch to OLED completely as soon as next year, when all iPhones could feature this display technology. Rumor has it that Apple is already seeking partners for next year's iPhone generation, as the company is trying to make sure that its suppliers have the production capacity to meet demand for the new model.
Samsung is the largest manufacturer of OLED displays, not only for its own devices but also for other companies, but Apple is also said to be involved in discussions with LG Display and a bunch of other suppliers.