Apple's upcoming iPhone 2017 lineup has already started creating hustle on the rumour mills. A report based on the tip of an unnamed Taiwan-based supply chain makers, Apple is most likely to come up with three new iPhone 2017 variants and for one of the variants, Samsung will be playing a major role in providing display panels.
Similar to their predecessors, the two of the three upcoming iPhones will be segmented in the usual 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch display sizes and LCD screens. The third variant might come with 5.8-inch AMOLED screen, for which Samsung will provide the display panel. The 5.8-inch iPhone will be Apple's most expensive iPhone ever, and Samsung will be its only AMOLED panel supplier. Samsung will be supplying around 20 million AMOLED panels to Apple every month.
Going by the estimates mentioned in the reports, Apple could see shipments of up to 60-70 million units of 5.8-inch AMOLED iPhone next year. The report further states that Apple will import touch sensors from Japan-based Nissha Printing while the integration of touch sensors with AMOLED panels will either be done by Samsung Display or by Taiwan-based TPK Holding and General Interface Solution.
The report goes on to say that the first production of iPhone 2017 lineup will start in March, and the speed of production would be increased in May-June following the demand. Apple always keeps a sufficient number of units ready before the device goes on sale. We cannot entirely count on the information provided in the report as it is based on fragile facts and sources. Also, it is pretty early to estimate anything about the upcoming iPhones. We will get to know more about the devices in the next few months.