New Rumour Says Apple Could Keep Selling the Current iPhone X Through Into 2019

[Maura]

According to AppleInsider, a new report has emerged from the Investor section of The Korea Herald that says that Apple plans to launch two new OLED iPhones this year alongside the current iPhone X, one of which would have a 5.85-inch screen, and the other of which would have a 6.46-inch screen. While there’s no way of knowing if this report is accurate, it is coming from a major Korean publication, so may well be credible. However, the report contradicts other recent rumours from such noted analysts as KGI Securities’ Ming-Chi Kuo, who said last week that Apple will discontinue the current iPhone X when it releases the new models this year.

With a possible three OLED iPhones on the market in 2018, it’s no wonder that Apple is trying to source more suppliers, according to The Korea Herald. The report says that Apple is looking for more battery and panel suppliers in particular, as well as for additional suppliers for the rigid flexible printed circuit board (RFPCB), which is currently supplied by three Korean firms, namely BH, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, and Interflex. According to The Korea Times’ sources, Apple wants to add one or two new suppliers to cope with the increased demand.

As far as the OLED screen is concerned, Samsung Display is currently the exclusive supplier, but LG Display, which Apple has invested heavily in, is expected to supply the OLED screen for the forthcoming 6.46-inch phone.

LG Chem is said to be making the new “L-shaped” battery, which has a single cell and more capacity than the current two-cell, rectangular iPhone batteries.

The Korea Times source even has information about production schedules, saying that production of the RFPCB will commence in May, and the panel production will begin in June. This would mean that the usual iPhone release schedule of the second half of the year is still on track.

Sources: Latest supply chain rumor suggests Apple could continue to sell current iPhone X model into 2019

Apple to diversify suppliers for new OLED iPhones this year