iPhone 5S Features: Future Smartphone & iPad Has Thinner Display And More Battery?
Once again Apple is looking to push the technological envelope, as it's researching a Sharp display solution for a thinner and more sensitive touch screen for the future iPhone 5S and beyond.
The tech company is aiming for a screen that's even more appealing, slimmer and drains less battery power than its current iPhone and iPad. Apple may very well opt to use Sharp's ultra-thin IGZO display it in its next iPhone, iPad, and iPad Mini, according to DigiTimes.
"Apple is in further discussions with Sharp over IGZO panel production capacity estimates for 2013 and is also inquiring about whether AU Optronics' (AUO) L5C line could be used to produce the technology," the report noted.
While the respective IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxigo) displays aren't the only choice for Apple to incorporate into its top-notch product, the respective feature can produce a density display above 330 ppi, which is a considerable improvement from the new iPad 4 at 264 ppi.
In terms of its battery life, IGZO technology also drains less power over the course of a day. Since Apple's larger devices need a massive amount of power for its retina displays, most of the company's newer products rapidly drain power within an eight hour period.
While the latest technological advancement information will come as joyful news to Apple users, analyst Horace Dediu said on Nov. 7 that the rationale behind Sharp's involvement does run deeper, cited by Asymco.
"Sharp is the key supplier of screens to Apple but is also in financial distress. Sharp has also been the object of an intended investment by Foxconn [Hon Hai]," he said. "That deal fell through as Sharp's finances deteriorated. My guess is that these attempts to shore up Sharp are directed by Apple to ensure both continuity of supply and a balanced supplier base (offsetting Samsung, another supplier)."
Dediu also said Apple has shelled out 2.3 million for "product tooling, manufacturing process equipment and infrastructure" in 2012.
While no confirmation on the IGZO technology incorporated into Apple products has been made, Mac Rumors said the 2013 5th Generation iPad could be "slightly thinner and smaller than current models," which may or may not indicate the use of the feature.
