There has always been a huge gulf between what rumors suggest and what finally becomes fact. So, with the iPhone 8 little more than six months away there’s no surprise that new stories are popping up all the time. However, with a complete, and utter absence of fact, do these new suggestions bear reading? For so long now we’ve been encouraged to believe that Apple‘s next device will feature a curved display. Now, however, there is a growing belief among the analyst community that a flat panel will be delivered instead. Here’s what you need to know…

iPhone 8 Flat OLED or Curved OLED?

This coming September we, you and the rest of the world are expecting Apple to announce it’s iPhone 8. Yes, it’s possible that the handset could have a different name. Some suggest iPhone 10, or X; we’ve even seen the word ULTRA used. However, could these rumors be born of the 10th-anniversary hype? Anything is possible, however, where there has been consensus for some time is with its screen size, said to be 5.8-inches. And of course the highly anticipated move away from LCD technology for OLED.

But, as mentioned above a new belief has emerged from analysts who suggest instead of curved the display will be flat. So, the question is what is driving this?

It seems that the answer comes down to cost, that’s the cost of flat OLED panels compared to curved OLED panels. Regarding flat panels, their production involves the use of glass substrate which is relatively cheap. As for the curved variety, to gain its flexibility a plastic substrate is used which is more expensive. Now if this flat panel theory is to be believed, you have to go back a few months to reports of OLED panel shortages.

At that time it was being reported that the worldwide supply of OLED panels was at risk. Why? It appeared that Samsung was the only manufacturer with enough capacity to supply Apple with its curved display needs. However, seeing as the Korean giant is also working on new devices which may require curved OLED panels, it’s devices will likely come first.

Has Anything Changed?

As far as we can tell nothing has changed, Samsung is still the dominant manufacturer of the display technology in question. And, Apple remains tight-lipped on the whole subject of an iPhone 8, all of which drives more speculation.

In fact, apart from these latest predictions, some think the iPhone 9, not the 8 will have a curved OLED.

However, we chose to believe that Apple will indeed produce a revolutionary device in 2017. One that will at least see away with the out of date IPS LCD technology on its flagship handset. As for those who are embroiled in the curved or flat debate Wayne Lam of IHS Market recently told MacRumors:

“We anticipate Apple will adopt a flat implementation of OLED design on their special iPhone model, which is analogous to the current 2.5D glass design.

Much like the recently announced LG G6, we anticipate a touchscreen with a new longer aspect ratio design. It will take advantage of a higher coverage area of the iPhone in its entirety. This new design is expected to become the trend for 2017, as we all anticipate Samsung’s reveal later this month.”

In addition, even the well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, who was once a proponent of iPhone 7 Curved OLED technologies. Now admits it is unlikely that the next model will feature a curved OLED panel. Instead, he now believes a flat panel similar to those seen on previous iPhone models is more likely to happen.

Final Thoughts

Curved display or no curved display, do you have a preference? We don’t think you should have one, why? Because Apple fans have long been calling for the company to innovate where its display tech is concerned. So, a move to OLED is a huge move for a company that has seemed to be resistant for so long.

Now, if it does deliver a curved display, all the better, however, it shouldn’t be included just for the sake of it. Apple fans don’t want gimmicks; instead, it should play some part and offer real functionality. Something, for which we think iOS 11 may if it comes to fruition may provide support for.

Come and share your thoughts with us on this subject in the comments section below.