Apple may use a slimmer display on the iPhone 5 using in-cell technology

If any of the recent rumours are to be believed, we may see the next flagship smartphone from Apple announced by the first week of next month. So with the launch date looming just around the corner, you can expect speculations of one of the highly anticipated devices to gather momentum. The latest bit of information comes via The Wall Street Journal who state that sources have informed them that Apple will launch the iPhone 5 with a thinner display as compared to the previous models.

The larger display at the front

The report states that sources have informed them that the next iPhone is currently being manufactured by Asian component makers and they will use a new technology that will make the handset thinner as Apple aims to improve technological features to compete against the stiff competition faced by Samsung and other rival manufacturers. The report states, “Japanese liquid-crystal-display makers Sharp Corp. and Japan Display Inc.—a new company that combined three Japanese electronics makers' display units—as well as South Korea's LG Display Co. are currently mass producing panels for the next iPhone using so-called in-cell technology, the people said.”

The report adds that this technology integrates touch sensors into the LCD. This will make it thinner and negate the use of another touch-screen layer. The report states that DisplaySearch analyst Hiroshi Hayase explains this fact by stating, “The absence of the layer, usually about half-a-millimeter thick, not only makes the whole screen thinner, but improves the quality of displayed images.” By using this technology for their display, Apple would also simplify the supply chain as well as be able to cut costs. This can be achieved as the brand would not need to buy touch and LCD panels from various suppliers.

Metal and glass back to be featured again?

The report says, “Technological progress at LCD makers such as Sharp, Japan Display and LG Display is crucial for Apple, given that Samsung has been pushing its organic light-emitting displays as one of the unique features of its Galaxy phones. Samsung's flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S III, comes with a 4.8-inch OLED screen and is thinner than the current iPhone.”

By using a thinner display on their upcoming smartphone, Apple would also be able to make room for other components such as a larger battery, something which is quite essential for a smartphone these days.

Reports indicate that the size of the dock has been reduced drastically and is much smaller. It is said to be similar to the size of a micro USB. The screen size of the iPhone has remained the same since it was first launched. Apple is expected to increase the size of the display to four-inches diagonally. While the width will not change, Apple will raise the height, thereby giving it a resolution of 1136 x 640. Since it is widely expected that Apple will redesign the entire handset, rumours have also indicated that the headphone jack will also be relocated, with it being moved from the top of the iPhone to the bottom.