This means that next year Apple could potentially launch the following iPhones: a 5.8-inch OLED model, a 6.46-inch “Plus” OLED model, and at least one LCD model that measures 6 inches (or larger).
Apple has decided to ditch the smallest 5.28-inch OLED iPhone next year, while adding a larger — possibly more than 6 inches — LCD model into the full lineup, according to The Bell on Sept. 25.
Citing local parts makers, the report said Apple had originally given panel orders to Samsung Display, its sole OLED supplier, under a plan to launch three OLED iPhones next year — 5.28-, 5.85-, and 6.46-inch models. But the report said the development work for the 5.28-inch model has recently been suspended possibly due to the low marketability of the smaller version.
The Bell cites local parts makers who claimed that Apple decided to scrap the 5.28-inch model of next year’s iPhone “due to the low marketability” of such a small-screened device. Apple is said to have given OLED orders to Samsung Display for the other two sizes.
Apple will continue sourcing 2018’s LCD iPhone screens from supplier Japan Display, which already includes panel orders for the new larger screen size. According to industry watchers, Apple’s decision to ditch the 5.28-inch iPhone 9 is due to the “popularity of larger-screen phones for video viewing.” A 6.46-inch iPhone would be larger than Samsung’s 6.3-inch Galaxy Note 8.
In regards to when Apple might switch to OLED-only iPhones, 2019 has been eyed as the year that Apple might finally make that transition.
Apple could even, thanks to the new technology, make more radical changes to the overall design of the iPhone, because its engineers would no longer to base their work on a fixed battery shape. Although the smartphone is such a mature market now that it would take a brave manufacturer to change its essential form – a bit like a mad microwave designer inventing one that’s spherical.
Screen
In regards to when Apple might switch to OLED-only iPhones, 2019 has been eyed as the year that Apple might finally make that transition.
Apple could even, thanks to the new technology, make more radical changes to the overall design of the iPhone, because its engineers would no longer to base their work on a fixed battery shape. Although the smartphone is such a mature market now that it would take a brave manufacturer to change its essential form – a bit like a mad microwave designer inventing one that’s spherical.
Screen
Here’s where we see the iPhone screen heading in the next few years.
New screen sizes
Sources suggest that Apple’s 2018 iPhone updates will include two new screen sizes – the biggest it’s offered yet.
The Bell (via The Investor), quoting anonymous industry sources, claimed in May 2017 that Apple and Samsung had signed a deal for the supply of OLED panels in iPhones next year, and that these would be supplied in 5.28in and 6.46in sizes. That’s a significant increase on the 4.7in and 5.5in screen sizes in the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus respectively. (The iPhone X has a 5.8in screen.)
New screen sizes
Sources suggest that Apple’s 2018 iPhone updates will include two new screen sizes – the biggest it’s offered yet.
The Bell (via The Investor), quoting anonymous industry sources, claimed in May 2017 that Apple and Samsung had signed a deal for the supply of OLED panels in iPhones next year, and that these would be supplied in 5.28in and 6.46in sizes. That’s a significant increase on the 4.7in and 5.5in screen sizes in the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus respectively. (The iPhone X has a 5.8in screen.)
But in August 2017 a new report claimed the 5.28in model had been canned, and that we will be getting iPhone 9 handsets with 5.85in and 6.46in OLED panels: so that both new models will be larger than the currently largest iPhone screen.
What we don’t how from these reports is how Apple plans to incorporate larger screens in its iPhones – but obviously it will have to make the chassis bigger, or the bezels smaller, or a mixture of the two. We know which we’d prefer.
What we don’t how from these reports is how Apple plans to incorporate larger screens in its iPhones – but obviously it will have to make the chassis bigger, or the bezels smaller, or a mixture of the two. We know which we’d prefer.
Apple is understood to be exploring the possibility of integrating the Touch ID fingerprint scanner into the display of a smartphone or tablet. In fact, Apple filed a patent describing a Touch ID display back in January 2013.
iPhone 9 rumours & patents: Scan display
This technology means that you could place your finger on the display to scan it, instead of the Home Button. We’re not sure if this technology was an original variation to the Home Button scanner found on the iPhone 5S, or if it’ll be combined with the Haptics & Tactile technology to remove the Home Button on a future iPhone and replace it with a virtual on-screen button.
The patent describes a touchscreen display with a fingerprint-sensing layer that could be used to introduce advanced multi-user support.
For example, Apple could use the fingerprint sensing display to only allow particular users to open certain apps. This could be useful for those with children who like to explore the iPad, for example.
Additionally, Apple could take the display even further. It could be used in conjunction with a piano app, for example, to teach users the correct finger placement for the instrument.
The patent describes a touchscreen display with a fingerprint-sensing layer that could be used to introduce advanced multi-user support.
For example, Apple could use the fingerprint sensing display to only allow particular users to open certain apps. This could be useful for those with children who like to explore the iPad, for example.
Additionally, Apple could take the display even further. It could be used in conjunction with a piano app, for example, to teach users the correct finger placement for the instrument.
Camera updates
Here’s where we see the iPhone camera heading in the 2018 update.
Anti-recording patent
In June 2016, Apple filed a patent to prevent people from recording at concerts through an infrared signal. This is to address the complaints made by artists that fans are uploading bad quality videos of their performances, quality control being the issue here.
iPhone 9 rumours & patents: Apple anti-recording patent
The patent has been met with some critics; with some saying it invades their privacy. Others have seen it as a good move for artists and those who want a non-smartphone environment. This can also be used in an educational way, with an infrared signal used to give more details about a certain object, such as a plant.
It’s still not clear how the technology will really be utilised, but it’s clear that Apple is thinking about it.
‘Super-resolution’ photos
Apple seems to be keen to improve the camera capabilities of its iOS devices, and one patent published by USPTO in May 2014 suggests we could soon see iPhones that are able to capture “Super-resolution” photos thanks to optical image stabilisation, which is already a feature of the iPhone 6 Plus.
The patent describes a system that takes a series of photographs at slightly different angles and stitches them together to create a ‘super resolution’ photograph.
iPhone 9 rumours & patents
Apple doesn’t suggest a device would capture every photo this way. Instead, the user would have the option to turn super-resolution mode on, much like HDR and Panorama modes.
Several rumours suggest that Apple plans to introduce a feature like this with an iPhone in the near future, with reports pointing to a ‘DSLR-quality’ capability that would represent the biggest camera jump in iPhone upgrade history.
DigiTimes has reported that Apple is already booking in production for iPhone cameras above 12Mp in resolution. This is at a new factory built by lens maker Largan Precision in Taiwan.
Interchangeable camera lenses
Apple is also investigating the possibility of making interchangeable iPhone camera lenses.
iPhone 9 rumours & patents
In January 2014, the company was issued two patents that describe methods of attaching camera modules to devices such as the iPhone and iPad.
The first patent, titled “Back panel for a portable electronic device with different camera lens options”, describes a portable electronic device that has a removable case that would allow camera attachments such as wide-angle or fisheye lenses.
The second patent, titled “Magnetic add-on lenses with alignment ridge,” offers an alternative method of attaching new camera lenses to the iPhone using magnets.
It’s already possible to use detachable iPhone camera lenses, of course, but at present those are exterior accessories made by third parties. You can read about our pick of the best iPhone camera lens accessories here: Best iPhone camera lenses.
Tech specs
It’s too early to know precisely what specs to expect from the iPhone 9, but one thing is sure: chip builder and longtime Apple partner Imagination won’t be designing the GPUs for iPhones much longer. Apple will be doing this itself.
The company, whose designs have been used in every iPhone so far, issued a statement in early April 2017 revealing that Apple would be winding down its use of Imagination IPs (intellectual properties) and “will no longer use the Group’s IP in its new products in 15 months to two years”. In other words, the late-2018 iPhones may be the first generation without these components.
It added that “Apple has asserted that it has been working on a separate, independent graphics design in order to control its products” – although, significantly, the statement further argues that Apple will struggle to create a GPU design that is not derivative of or dependent on the work Imagination has done on previous iPhones, and that it expects IP royalty payments to continue beyond the point at which the two companies stop working together.
5G
One of the landmarks in iPhone history was the inclusion of 3G in its second-generation model; with the launch of the iPhone 5 Apple fans got 4G as well. Now it seems that 5G could be on its way, if testing works out.
Apple has submitted an application, obtained by Business Insider, to test “cellular link performance in direct path and multi-path environments between base station transmitters and receivers” using the 28GHz and 39GHz bands, approved for 5G, and ‘millimetre wave’ wireless technology.
“These assessments will provide engineering data relevant to the operation of devices on wireless carriers’ future 5G networks,” the application adds.
5G will deliver faster cellular internet connections, but the details remain fuzzy: currently, there are no standards for 5G, although many companies are working towards agreeing on technology and specifications. You can read more about the latest 5G developments and announcements here: What is 5G?
Here’s where we see the iPhone camera heading in the 2018 update.
Anti-recording patent
In June 2016, Apple filed a patent to prevent people from recording at concerts through an infrared signal. This is to address the complaints made by artists that fans are uploading bad quality videos of their performances, quality control being the issue here.
iPhone 9 rumours & patents: Apple anti-recording patent
The patent has been met with some critics; with some saying it invades their privacy. Others have seen it as a good move for artists and those who want a non-smartphone environment. This can also be used in an educational way, with an infrared signal used to give more details about a certain object, such as a plant.
It’s still not clear how the technology will really be utilised, but it’s clear that Apple is thinking about it.
‘Super-resolution’ photos
Apple seems to be keen to improve the camera capabilities of its iOS devices, and one patent published by USPTO in May 2014 suggests we could soon see iPhones that are able to capture “Super-resolution” photos thanks to optical image stabilisation, which is already a feature of the iPhone 6 Plus.
The patent describes a system that takes a series of photographs at slightly different angles and stitches them together to create a ‘super resolution’ photograph.
iPhone 9 rumours & patents
Apple doesn’t suggest a device would capture every photo this way. Instead, the user would have the option to turn super-resolution mode on, much like HDR and Panorama modes.
Several rumours suggest that Apple plans to introduce a feature like this with an iPhone in the near future, with reports pointing to a ‘DSLR-quality’ capability that would represent the biggest camera jump in iPhone upgrade history.
DigiTimes has reported that Apple is already booking in production for iPhone cameras above 12Mp in resolution. This is at a new factory built by lens maker Largan Precision in Taiwan.
Interchangeable camera lenses
Apple is also investigating the possibility of making interchangeable iPhone camera lenses.
iPhone 9 rumours & patents
In January 2014, the company was issued two patents that describe methods of attaching camera modules to devices such as the iPhone and iPad.
The first patent, titled “Back panel for a portable electronic device with different camera lens options”, describes a portable electronic device that has a removable case that would allow camera attachments such as wide-angle or fisheye lenses.
The second patent, titled “Magnetic add-on lenses with alignment ridge,” offers an alternative method of attaching new camera lenses to the iPhone using magnets.
It’s already possible to use detachable iPhone camera lenses, of course, but at present those are exterior accessories made by third parties. You can read about our pick of the best iPhone camera lens accessories here: Best iPhone camera lenses.
Tech specs
It’s too early to know precisely what specs to expect from the iPhone 9, but one thing is sure: chip builder and longtime Apple partner Imagination won’t be designing the GPUs for iPhones much longer. Apple will be doing this itself.
The company, whose designs have been used in every iPhone so far, issued a statement in early April 2017 revealing that Apple would be winding down its use of Imagination IPs (intellectual properties) and “will no longer use the Group’s IP in its new products in 15 months to two years”. In other words, the late-2018 iPhones may be the first generation without these components.
It added that “Apple has asserted that it has been working on a separate, independent graphics design in order to control its products” – although, significantly, the statement further argues that Apple will struggle to create a GPU design that is not derivative of or dependent on the work Imagination has done on previous iPhones, and that it expects IP royalty payments to continue beyond the point at which the two companies stop working together.
5G
One of the landmarks in iPhone history was the inclusion of 3G in its second-generation model; with the launch of the iPhone 5 Apple fans got 4G as well. Now it seems that 5G could be on its way, if testing works out.
Apple has submitted an application, obtained by Business Insider, to test “cellular link performance in direct path and multi-path environments between base station transmitters and receivers” using the 28GHz and 39GHz bands, approved for 5G, and ‘millimetre wave’ wireless technology.
“These assessments will provide engineering data relevant to the operation of devices on wireless carriers’ future 5G networks,” the application adds.
5G will deliver faster cellular internet connections, but the details remain fuzzy: currently, there are no standards for 5G, although many companies are working towards agreeing on technology and specifications. You can read more about the latest 5G developments and announcements here: What is 5G?
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