Apple working on three new iPhone models for 2017 including top end with AMOLED display

By Karthekayan Iyer | Updated on 05-Jun-2017

21 Dec 2016 18:26

HIGHLIGHTS

Apple is expected to introduce three new iPhones next year with top model getting borderless design and AMOLED display

Apple is reportedly working on three iPhones for 2017 with one of the models getting AMOLED display and thin bezel less design. While the next iPhone launch is nearly 9 months away, a purported document leaked from Apple's manufacturing partner shreds more information on those plans.

According to the document posted on Weibo by an user known for leaking information, Apple will introduce three iPhone models in 2017 designated with development codes D20, D21 and D22. Apple's iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus were codenamed D10 and D20 at the time of development so these revelations definitely raise an eyebrow. Earlier KGI's Ming-Chi Kuo had predicted that Apple is working on three new models for 2017 and the new leak actually mirrors that plan.

Apple is expected to launch two upgraded iPhone 7 models named iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus while reserving all the upgrades for a third model. The top model is expected to feature an all glass design with borderless OLED display. Apple has been counting on Samsung for delivering the OLED panels and most Apple suppliers LG Display, Sharp and Japan Display are ramping up their own production for 2018.

Apple's internal documents suggests that the top-tier model is codenamed Ferrari and will feature a large AMOLED display packed into a really smaller form factor, which should essentially be same as that of iPhone 7 Plus. This particular device is also expected to feature invisible home button with optical fingerprint recognition system. The device is also rumoured to feature wireless charging with never seen before charging mechanism.

Apple Insider notes that Apple is also considering relocating the SIM card tray to the bottom in order to make more room for hardware components. The logic board is also rumoured to be broken into two parts with communication components moving onto the second board.

The most recent rumour hints at next iPhone coming with dual curved displays like Samsung's Galaxy S7 edge. While this particular leak doesn't hint at Apple opting for curved display but that could well be one of the offerings with the top-tier model.