New leak 'confirms' massive iPhone release next year

This might be the iPhone we have all been waiting for

Tech giant Apple is expected to launch a new flagship device next year as it marks the 10 anniversary of its revolutionary touch screen smartphone that completely changed the mobile phone industry.

As with any Apple device, we expect a long list of rumours to surface before we see the actual device. However, this latest by DigiTimes might confirm the biggest change to come to the iPhone lineup.



This latest news suggest that Apple may release a massive new iPhone next year that would feature a 5.8 inch OLED panel.

An iphone 8 concept. Photo courtesy: Veniamin Geskin

“Apple will launch 4.7-, 5.5- and 5.8-inch new iPhone models in second-half 2017, with TFT-LCD panels to be used in the former two models and AMOLED for the 5.8-inch one...Global shipments of the AMOLED iPhone in 2017 are estimated at 60-70 million units,” the publication notes, citing its source.

The rumour further claims Samsung to be the exclusive supplier of OLED panels used in the enlarged iPhone shipping up to 20 million panels a month.

An iphone 8 concept. Photo courtesy: Veniamin Geskin

This also falls in line with earlier rumours that suggested the Cupertino giant might move to new OLED display panels from the outdated TFT-LCD screens and would abandon the physical home button in favour of an edge to edge display. An OLED panel also opens the possibility of a curved display for Apple as it tries to rival South Korean behemoth Samsung.



The large screen also opens up the phablet segment to Apple as it battles falling sales. Furthermore, 60 to 70 million units also suggest that the tech giant is aiming for high numbers with its new smartphone.

That being said, we can expect a lot to change as Apple typically finalises its smartphone designs six months prior to their release in September. However, we do expect Apple completely revamp its new smartphone design as it tries to gain lost ground to other manufacturers.