Rumour: Hitachi, Sony working on 4-inch iPhone 5 displays

By Kul Bhushan | Updated on 29-Nov-2011

29 Nov 2011 11:15

Internet is once again abuzz with rumours of the iPhone 5. The fresh rumours suggest that Apple‘s next smartphone, iPhone 5, will have a 4-inch display. According to Apple tracking blog Macotakara, Sony and Hitachi have started shipping 4-inch LCD displays to Apple for a “new iOS device”, which is likely to be launched next year. The blog also claims that the two companies are also providing LCD panels for Apple’s next iPad, which is said to have “fundamentally changed” interface.

Citing an anonymous source, Macotakara blog says that HTC and Hitachi have started to ship 4-inch LCD [displays] for [a] new iOS device”. The blog further reveals that the two companies are also providing LCD panels for Apple’s next iPad, which is said to have “fundamentally changed” interface. According to reports, the next-generation tablet is likely to be the first iPad to feature Apple’s high pixel-density Retina Display technology.

If the blog is true, it would mean that Apple has done away with its Taiwan-based partners for sourcing the parts for its iOS devices. Presently, Apple sources parts from TPK, Wintek and Chimei Innolux. Hitachi and Sony are part of a three-member group of Japanese companies, which are slated to merge their mobile display businesses by early next year. Toshiba is the third member. The merger is reported to be announced sometime in the spring.

Apple has reportedly made a lot of investments in Sharp’s manufacturing units. Sharp is expected to partner with Apple for developing a HDTV and may also provide Apple with LCD panels for the iPad 3.

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