In a move that Tim Cook is almost certainly not pleased with, Reuters reports that Sharp president Takashi Okuda intentionally revealed that the company has been contracted by Apple to manufacture displays for their next iPhone, and will begin shipping those displays sometime this month.
Takashi did not offer any specific details on when this month display shipments might begin, but his comments do tend to back up recent claims (corroborated by numerous credible sources) that Apple may announce the device on September 12 for release later that month.
The claim was made as part of Sharp’s quarterly financial report, which showed disappointing results for the company. As such, it’s highly possible that Takashi added that little tidbit into the report to rekindle investor confidence, and call additional attention to the company.
Aside from Takashi’s comments, reuters also claims that the screens will measure 4 inches diagonally, as previously rumored, and will be significantly thinner due to their use of in-cell technology.
Apple’s next iPhone is also widely expected to feature a thinner design and a two-tone metal rear casing, as well as a smaller dock connector, relocated FaceTime camera, and LTE support.