The iPhone SE has been unveiled, so it’s time to begin publishing new iPhone rumors, right? Well connected industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple will likely release a high-end iPhone model in 2017 that will boast a curved glass case, and a 5.8-inch AMOLED display.
In a note to investors obtained by AppleInsider, KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the new iPhone’s design is similar to that of the iPhone 4/4s “glass sandwich,” but instead of flat slabs Apple will employ curved panels on both the device front and back. In another first, Apple turn to AMOLED technology to realize the new design paradigm.
Kuo believes Apple is planning to make use of the design, and the exotic materials, to further set itself apart from its competitors. Kuo notes Apple would choose glass for the new design due to the material being easy to mold, and its ability to facilitate thinner and lighter designs.
The analyst believes the new handset will also feature wireless charging, and new biometric recognition abilities, such as face or iris scanning. Apple does own a number of patents covering facial recognition technology.
Kuo believes the new 5.8-inch model could be positioned as a replacement for the current 5.5-inch model. However, if the company has issues with AMOLED supplies, it could be launched as a higher-end add-on to the iPhone lineup.
“If the supply of AMOLED panel is sufficient, we believe it is more likely that the first scenario will happen, in which case a 5.8-inch AMOLED model will entirely replace the 5.5-inch TFT-LCD iPhone,” Kuo said.
Kuo’s predictions run counter to his previous notes, which said an AMOLED iPhone would not arrive until 2019 at the earliest. However, suppliers have reportedly been working to build out their AMOLED production lines, possibly allowing for Apple to use the display technology, currently used by Apple in their Apple Watch lineup, in its iPhone.
