A report from China Times (translated) echoes news that we have heard from KGI that Apple is planning to release three new iPhones this year. The new models include 5.8-inch and 6.5-inch variants with OLED displays, and a 6.1-inch with an LCD display. However, this latest report shares new alleged details about the LCD panel for the 6.1-inch model.
While all current iPhone X display manufacturing is done by Samsung, the report states that the 6.1-inch LCD display will be manufactured by JDI. The 6.1-inch model specifically will be using a thin-film touch panel, replacing the existing touch panel.
But it gets more complicated than that, the report says that Apple will be switching to thin-film touch panels, rather than using a plug-type touch panel, which the company has been using since the iPhone 5. The thin-film touch sensors would be supplied by Japanese Display exclusively.
The report also says that the 6.1-inch LCD iPhone will be sporting an 18:9 aspect ratio. Take this with a grain of salt as the current iPhone X has an 19.5:9 aspect ratio. Adding yet another aspect ratio would further complicate the lineup and add fragmentation to iOS.
Due to the complexity of Apple’s 3D Touch technology, it is believed that component parts for the LCD display will go up. Combined with the new touch panel, it is possible that the cost for the 6.1-inch LCD iPhone could be higher than expected.
KGI’s Ming-Chi Kuo could be taking this information into account as well. His earlier forecast for pricing on the 6.1-inch LCD iPhone was between $650-$750. His note today projected a price between $700-$800.
