Although most of us are expecting a modest spec bump for this year’s iPhone, a new report has surfaced that claims Apple may be planning to use a “curved cover glass” in the next model, similar to the iPod nano from a couple generations ago.
MacRumors is reporting that the face of the iPhone may no longer be flat with the next iPhone. According to Taiwanese website DigiTimes, industry sources are claiming that Apple may adopt what they’re calling a “curved cover glass” for the next handset -- even going so far as to buy the costly equipment needed to make them.
“Cover glass makers are reluctant to commit investment to the purchase of glass cutting equipment due to the high capital involved, said the sources,” noting that Apple has purchased between 200 and 300 of the glass cutting machines necessary to get the job done.
“There has been no timetable yet for the volume production of iPhone 5 as Apple is currently still working with related suppliers including those involved in cover glass, glass cutting, lamination and touch sensors to improve yield rates,” DigiTimes sources concluded.
This wouldn’t be Apple’s first foray into curved glass -- the iPod nano from a couple of generations back also featured a curved design. The method is also not new to smartphones, with the Samsung Nexus S using what MacRumors calls “a concave curved screen” designed for comfort.
“Our tipster tells us Samsung's been shopping this curved display technology to carriers for a while -- as early as CES at the beginning of this year behind closed doors -- claiming that its research showed such a design improved perceived usability over a perfectly flat display,” claims an Engadget report from last November.
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(Image courtesy of MacRumors and DailyMail.co.uk)
