The next-gen iPhone’s display may incorporate some interesting additional features.
The sometimes-reliable DigiTimes reported on Monday that Apple is developing touch and display driver integration single-chip solutions for future iPhones. The chips are also said to include fingerprint sensors, which would allow for new iPhone designs without a home button, enabling the entire front panel to be the device’s display.
This syncs with Apple’s recent patents and acquisitions, which has signaled interest in moving Touch ID to the iPhone’s display.
Apple acquired fingerprint technology company AuthenTec in 2012, setting the stage for what eventually became branded as Touch ID. The current implementation, embedded in the home button, is exclusive to Apple’s iPhone and iPad lineups.
The rumor seems to indicate that Apple is looking to bring more chip development in-house. Apple already custom designs some of the silicon in its iPhone and iPad lineups, most notably the A-series central processors, but the latest rumblings would indicate that Apple is also working on its own touch and display driver chips.
The article points to Apple’s interest in making “ultra-thin and ultra-narrow” display panels.
No timetable or additional details were released with the report. Apple’s next-gen iPhone is expected this fall, which would keep its pattern of an annual release intact.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via AppleInsider and DigiTimes