Looking beyond the upcoming release of the Apple iPhone 7, a report has emerged that the iPhone line could be in for a number of significant changes next year.The Nikkei Asian Review has reported that Apple has three new iPhones in the planning for 2017, including a premium model with a curved display like that employed by Samsung in its flagship devices, citing a source familiar with Apple’s plans.
“There will be a 4.7-inch model, another that will be 5.5-inches and a premium handset that will be either 5.5-inches or larger equipped with a screen bent on the two sides,” the Nikkei reported its source as stating.
The Nikkei reported its source as stating that the other two models will continue to have flat screens.
It has previously been reported that Apple could extend its iPhone product cycle, taking three years between full-model changes of the devices, with the 2017 model likely to see major changes.
Competition has been heating up at the premium end of the smartphone market, with Samsung having incorporated curved displays in its recent flagship devices, including the Galaxy S7 edge and Galaxy Note7.
Strategy Analytics recently found that the S7 edge was the world’s top selling Android smartphone in the 2016 first half.
The Nikkei reported that David Hsieh, a senior director at IHS DisplaySearch, said that while Apple’s premium handset will adopt OLED, the other two models will remain with LTPS panels.
The Nikkei reported Hsieh as stating that Samsung will be Apple’s sole OLED supplier next year, however will not be able to fully meet demand for both itself and Apple.
