OLED iPhone 8 to Feature Curved Display and New Touch-Sensitive Technology

Apple's high-end OLED iPhone 8 will use a curved display rather than a flat panel and could potentially feature new touch-sensitive technology, according to a report published on Sunday.

Multiple sources have claimed Apple is planning a 5.5-inch "premium" version of its 2017 iPhone with an OLED screen alongside new models with traditional LCD displays, but today's report underlines Apple's intention to use a curved screen similar to that found in Samsung's Galaxy S7, which has been described as having the best smartphone display on the market.

galaxy-s7-edge-iphone-7-plus

"The OLED version of the new iPhone will all be curved as Apple ordered all plastic OLED -- not glass -- from Samsung Display. Samsung is capable of supplying a little less than 100 million units of curved OLED displays to Apple," a source familiar with the matter told The Korea Herald.

Previous rumors outlining Apple's intention to launch multiple iPhone models have been dogged by suggestions that it could delay adoption of OLED technology entirely due to supply constraints. Samsung is Apple's sole supplier of OLED displays in 2017, with LG and Sharp among the companies tapped to ramp up production for 2018, but the latest report indicates that limited supply may indeed shape differentiation in next year's 10th anniversary iPhone line-up.

According to the Herald, Samsung's curved OLED capacity for Apple is estimated at around 70 million to 100 million units. That's in line with previous estimates, but it's less than half of Apple's annual sales of the iPhone series, which stand at around 200 million units a year.

The paper's source goes on to state that next year's iPhone won't be foldable, but in order to set it apart from Samsung's phones it could feature new sensing technology which "enables the phone to respond when users touch any side of the device". No further details are forthcoming, but the source notes that Apple may ultimately choose not to adopt the technology.

Other rumors suggest Apple's major iPhone redesign could include wireless charging and a glass body, no physical Home button, and an edge-to-edge, bezel-free display with embedded Touch ID fingerprint sensor and camera.

Tag: OLED
Related Forum: iPhone

Top Rated Comments

ColdShadow Avatar
96 months ago
OLED is awesome.
curved is just gimmick.
Score: 39 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rudychidiac Avatar
96 months ago
I don't like the idea of limiting new features and inventions to an even higher end iPhone... They should be available to all iPhone models. We don't need a 4th remodel of the iPhone 6 next year
Score: 36 Votes (Like | Disagree)
xflashx Avatar
96 months ago
Am I the only one who is worried about the upcoming fragmentation? They say it's a Premium iPhone. I thought we already have premium with premium prices? I have no doubt that this version will cost at least 1000$ which will be a ridiculous price.

Sad to see ongoing fragmentation of their products.
Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)
44267547 Avatar
96 months ago
If true, I personally don't care for the curved display. But OLED would be much welcomed.
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GadgetBen Avatar
96 months ago
Edge to edge glass with no bezel or home button would be awesome.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GadgetBen Avatar
96 months ago
Disclaimer: I own a 2016 mbp with the touch bar and think it's amazing.

But I'm pretty worried about the iPhone anniversary. It seems like Apple is throwing a shot in the dark and seeing what sticks.
You own a MBP with touch bar and think that they are awesome, yet you don't think this iPhone spec (if true) will be awesome??!

Is the iPhone 8 missing a touch bar?
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 18 Apple Music Messages and Notes Feature 1

iOS 18 Rumored to Add New Features to These 16 Apps on Your iPhone

Tuesday April 30, 2024 10:44 am PDT by
Apple is expected to announce iOS 18 during its WWDC keynote on June 10, and new features have already been rumored for many apps, including Apple Music, Apple Maps, Calculator, Messages, Notes, Safari, and others. Below, we recap iOS 18 rumors on a per-app basis, based on reports from MacRumors, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, and others: Apple Maps: At least two new Apple Maps features are...
apple watch ipad demo 1

Check Out This Apple Watch iPad Demo Unit From 2014

Wednesday May 1, 2024 1:46 pm PDT by
With the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch approaching, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at an interesting bit of Apple Watch history. After the Apple Watch was announced in 2014, and before it became available in 2015, Apple sent out custom Apple Watch iPad demo kiosks to retail stores. The Apple Watch and iPad units used for these devices were specially designed, had custom ...
maxresdefault

Will the New iPad Pro Really Have the M4 Chip?

Wednesday May 1, 2024 8:30 am PDT by
While Apple's upcoming iPad Pro models have been expected to feature the M3 chip for over a year, recent reports have unexpectedly suggested that the new devices will instead feature the as-yet-unannounced M4 chip. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Last week, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that he now believes there is a "strong possibility" that the upcoming iPad Pro ...
ios 17 5 repair state

iOS 17.5 Includes 'Repair State' Option That Doesn't Require Turning Off Find My for Service

Tuesday April 30, 2024 1:24 pm PDT by
With iOS 17.5, Apple is adding a "Repair State" feature that is designed to allow an iPhone to be sent in for service without deactivating Find My and Activation Lock. The fourth iOS 17.5 beta that came out today adds a "Remove This Device" option for all devices in Find My, and using it with an iPhone puts that iPhone into the new Repair State. Right now, sending an iPhone to Apple to be...
Apple CarPlay Dash

Report Examines GM's Controversial Move to Abandon Apple CarPlay

Wednesday May 1, 2024 4:53 am PDT by
An in-depth Bloomberg report today resurfaced General Motors' decision to replace Apple CarPlay with its own software. Last year, GM announced that it planned to forgo Apple CarPlay in its new electric vehicles, starting with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV. Instead, the automaker introduced a proprietary infotainment platform, aiming to control and customize the digital experience within its...
Airpods Pro 2 Discount Feature Triad

Amazon's New Apple Sale Has Best-Ever Prices on AirPods Pro, Studio Display, Apple Pencil, and More

Tuesday April 30, 2024 7:31 am PDT by
Amazon today kicked off numerous discounts across multiple Apple products and accessories, the highlight being the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C for $179.99, down from $249.00. You'll also find deals on the Apple Pencil 2, AirTags, and Studio Display. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep...
maxresdefault

Apple Announces 'Let Loose' Event on May 7 Amid Rumors of New iPads

Tuesday April 23, 2024 7:11 am PDT by
Apple has announced it will be holding a special event on Tuesday, May 7 at 7 a.m. Pacific Time (10 a.m. Eastern Time), with a live stream to be available on Apple.com and on YouTube as usual. The event invitation has a tagline of "Let Loose" and shows an artistic render of an Apple Pencil, suggesting that iPads will be a focus of the event. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more ...