Over the last few weeks, there have been contradictory reports about the iPhone 8’s OLED screen. Some reports claim that it will have a curved display that would wrap around the edges. On the other hand, multiple analysts and supply chain leaks point to a flat display on the 10th anniversary iPhone. Now Japanese business publication Nikkei Asian Review has learned from supply chain sources that the iPhone 8 would sport a curved screen. But the curves won’t be as pronounced as the Galaxy S7 Edge.
The iPhone 8 curved screen would merely be a visual treat
Samsung Display will be the only supplier of OLED panels for the iPhone 8. Apple opted for gentler curves to simplify the phone’s construction and overcome the challenges of making curved glass covers to match the screens. Though the iPhone 8 would have a 5.8-inch display, the total viewable area would be limited to about 5.2-inch. The remaining space at the bottom of the screen would be taken by a new Function Area.
The curved screen would make the iPhone 8 look sleeker than its predecessors, but that’s about it. The curves will be there only for aesthetic effect. Sources told Nikkei that the curves “will not offer significant new functions.” Do not expect any gimmicky features on the sides of the screen. Other vendors such as Samsung have used the curved screens on their devices for new edge gestures and notifications. They are largely gimmicks.
Many analysts expect a flat 2.5D glass design
The OLED screen has several advantages over the LCD panels used in the current iPhone 7. It offers sharper color contrast, and is more energy efficient than its LCD counterpart. Nikkei added that the iPhone 8 design hasn’t been finalized yet, so the features may still change. The publication added that China’s Biel Crystal will be supplying the glass back for the 10th anniversary iPhone. The front glass covers would come from both Biel Crystal and Foxconn.
A few days ago, IHS Markit analyst Wayne Lam told MacRumors that the iPhone 8 would sport a flat OLED display similar to the current iPhone’s 2.5D glass design. Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities and Chinese research firm TrendForce have also said that they expect the new phone to come with a flat screen. Other rumored features of the next-gen iPhone include wireless charging, improved water resistance, facial recognition, and augmented reality support.
iPhone 8 boost sales to record levels
Wall Street analysts and consumers are equally excited about the 10th anniversary iPhone. Recently, Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty said in an interview with CNBC Pro that the Wall Street was still underestimating the potential of the iPhone 8 super cycle. On average, the Wall Street analysts forecast 10% growth in iPhone sales in 2018.
In contrast, Katy Huberty predicts an impressive 20% growth. She told CBNC Pro that in the best case scenario, the iPhone sales could rise as much as 30% due to the iPhone 8 in fiscal 2018.
