Top insider issues second key report with details on iPhone 7

Well-known Apple insider Ming-Chi Kuo, who’s often accurate about the company’s unreleased products, revealed in a new note that the iPhone 7 might not include a key new feature that earlier reports had claimed.

According to the KGI Securities report seen by 9to5Mac, Apple will not replace LCD screens with AMOLED on the iPhone line anytime soon. In fact, the iPhone might stick to LCD displays for a few years, through 2018 at least, which means the iPhone 7 will most definitely not have an OLED display.

Recent speculation fueled by Apple design guru Jony Ive’s stance on AMOLED display quality – he claimed the iPhone’s screen feels old when compared to the AMOLED display of the Apple Watch – suggested Apple is getting closer to utilizing AMOLED display technology in iPhones. But Kuo says there’s a clear sign that won’t happen this year. According to him, Foxconn is investing in a new $4 billion LTPS TFT-LCD plant for iPhone screens that will be completed in 2018.

Obviously, there’s no confirmation from Apple regarding any future iPhone 7 features, and we don’t expect any revelations until the company actually unveils the next-gen device next year. The company might jump to AMOLED screens at any given time in the near future, but Kuo has an excellent track record when it comes to Apple’s plans, particularly when it comes to the iPhone.

Kuo said recently that Apple will release three iPhones next year, including a new 4-inch model. In a second report, he revealed that TSMC will get all of Apple’s iPhone 7 A10 chip orders next year. With regards to the hotly anticipated iPhone 7, this is Kuo’s second major report on the new model. In his first note to clients, he said the new iPhone 7 will feature a completely redesigned case that measures just 6.0-6.5mm thick.

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