A pair of reports from Digitimes claim Apple will remove 3D Touch from all iPhone 11 models and will be bringing a new OLED display maker into its supply chain.
The death of 3D Touch has long been anticipated, as several rumors have circled the rumor bowl that Apple would be dropping the pressure-sensitive screen feature from its iPhone lineup. The iPhone XR does not use 3D Touch, while the more expensive iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max still do.
The Digitimes report sources industry sources for touch module manufacturers TPK and GIS, key Apple suppliers. Both companies will likely make financially less per unit as touch models for the new iPhones will be less involved to make, thus carrying a lower cost per unit.
Despite this, both manufacturers see a rosy second-half of 2019, thanks to orders for touch sensors for both iPads and MacBooks, as well as the continued demand for older iPhone models.
As for the new OLED manufacturer, Apple is said to be looking at moving away from Samsung as the sole supplier of OLED panels for their flagship iPhones. Apple likes to have more than one supplier for its components, preventing suppliers from having added leverage in price negotiations.
Digitime reports Apple is looking at bringing BOE into the supply chain, thanks to recent Japanese restrictions on exports to Korea which could restrict OLED production. However, a deal has not yet been signed.
Digitime is a sometimes reliable source for reports like these, so be sure to keep your salt-free seasoning shakers handy. Apple will likely unveil their iPhone 11 lineup in September, so we’ll find out for sure then.
(Via 9to5Mac)