“The Elec” reports that Apple wants to make its upcoming iPhones thinner and more economical than before. To what extent the rumors actually correspond to the plans of the company is not known. However, they are interesting, especially as they would represent a reversal of the previous trend: The iPhone 11 is thicker than its predecessor.
New display technology from LG
Both innovations are to be achieved by new display technology from the supplier LG. According to the announcement, LG wants to rely on the LTPO technology, which is already used in Apple’s Smartwatches. Thanks to low temperatures, this display technology enables low-energy continuous display operation. The low temperature is in turn achieved by a very low refresh rate, i.e. basically by technical minimalism. With Apple’s Watch, for example, no dynamic displays can be achieved – more than the display of the second hand is simply not possible. This would probably not be an option for the iPhone. Nevertheless, it is conceivable to use a weakened form of this technology – especially since, unlike the watch, the display on a smartphone is usually not intended to be used continuously.
At the same time, displays built in this way are thinner than the conventional ones used to date. Apple could therefore save energy and at the same time break new ground in terms of the thinness of smartphones, opening up new design possibilities. Furthermore, such displays are more cost-effective.
Time-of-Flight sensor planned ?
In addition, there is speculation whether Apple will install a so-called time-of-flight sensor in the new iPhones to be introduced this year. Such a sensor permanently scans the immediate vicinity of the smartphone and is necessary for augmented reality applications. It was also speculated that Apple would want to abolish the Notch, which was introduced not so long ago. All these rumours have not been confirmed, of course. In all probability, Apple will not want to disclose any information until the new devices are presented.
