Apple could be looking into building an iPhone with a curved display for next year. A report by the Wall Street Journal indicates that Cupertino has reached out to its display suppliers and asked them to increase production of OLED screens.
There’s no guarantee that Apple is looking to use the OLED screens for a curved display, as the report suggests that the company is working on at least 10 different prototypes. Any of which may turn out to be the next iPhone.
One problem that Apple is facing with creating a curved iPhone is the fact that only Samsung is capable of producing OLEDs in sufficient quantities. Apple is no stranger to using its rival as a supplier, but has also traditionally diversified its supply chain to keep costs down.
Other manufacturers LG, Japan Display, and Sharp are capable of making OLED screens, but would have to invest heavily to meet the demand from Apple. Both these companies are currently still considering if the technology is worth throwing more money into, as the resulting devices end up costing more and may turn consumers off.
At the moment, it looks like Apple will have to rely on Samsung if it wants to have an OLED display on the 10th anniversary iPhone. Tim Cook may want its other suppliers to step up to the plate as well; but he may not get what he wants at this time.
[Source: Wall Street Journal]
