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Apple’s future iPhones might have one surprising display feature

Published Jan 7th, 2015 10:45PM EST
iPhone 7 Rumors: OLED Display
Image: Jonathan S. Geller, BGR

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Apple has traditionally stuck with LCD displays in its various iPhones over the years but that might change in the future, according to a new report from Japanese newspaper Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, as quoted by MacX.cn.

FROM EARLIER: Foxconn is urgently building a new $2.6B display factory just for Apple

Apparently, the iPhone maker has hired Foxconn to build OLED screens for both the iPhone and the Apple Watch, with production set to start in late 2015. Thus, it’s not clear what iPhone models will make the switch from LCD displays to OLED, but the report seems to be in line with recent developments in the region.

Not too long ago, sources claimed that Foxconn and its subsidiary Innolux will invest $2.6 billion in a factory that will supply components for just one customer, a rare undertaking for any supplier. Reports revealed that only Apple could have “urgently” asked Foxconn for such preferential treatment, considering the massive business partnership between the two giant corporations.

Foxconn, the biggest gadget maker in the world, already has production lines that are dedicated to Apple’s products, with special emphasis on the iPhone.

Interestingly, a patent awarded to Apple this week describes means of constructing a foldable mobile device, with OLED displays also quoted as potential flexible components for such iPhones. However, that doesn’t mean there’s any link between Apple’s potential flexible iPhone plans and Foxconn’s upcoming Apple-only display factory. Furthermore, Apple’s OLED display plans for the future generation iPhones are yet to be confirmed.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.