iPhone could come with AMOLED screen and wireless charging in 2017

Apple could release a new iPhone variant with glass casing and AMOLED display in 2017, Ming-Chi Kuo, noted analyst at KGI securities, has revealed. This would mark a move from the IPS LCD display used in the current iPhone lineup. Some of the other few key features of the iPhone are speculated to be wireless charging, biometric, facial and eye recognition.

The latest revelation is contrary to reports in December 2015 that the company had set up a production laboratory in Longtan, Taiwan, for developing thinner, lighter, brighter and energy-efficient displays.

It was also exploring the possibility of adopting organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) displays, which are thinner and without backlight. Kuo had earlier predicted that Apple was highly unlikely to use AMOLED screens in its iPhones.

In his latest release note obtained by 9to5Mac, Kuo believes Apple will decide between glass, plastic and ceramic casing for its 2017 iPhone, although it will ultimately go with glass casing "as plastic does not offer thin and light form factor designs, and it would not be easy to precisely control the tolerance of ceramic".

Kuo also suggests the upcoming iPhone will adopt a curved display, crafted into a curved glass body. He claims the iPhone will feature a "completely new form factor design", with more narrow bezels and a "more comfortably grip".

The company could also introduce a 5.8in iPhone in 2017 featuring AMOLED display and incorporate form factor that is ultimately smaller than the 5.5in iPhone. The 5.8in model will replace the 5.5in variants, which means there would be only 4.7in and 5.8in iPhones coming in 2017.