On Chinese social networking site Weibo (via PhoneArena), Wang said Apple will release a device with sloping edges similar to the Vivo XPlay 5 or the Galaxy S7 Edge.
Apple is already rumored to be using flexible OLED displays for the 2017 iPhone, which will be necessary for any kind of dramatically curved display.
Wang does not offer details on where he is sourcing his information from, but it is presumably coming from the Asian supply chain and Apple’s myriad manufacturing partners.
Apple has reportedly secured 5.8-inch OLED displays from Samsung, and a previous analyst prediction has suggested that a display of that size could perhaps be used to wrap around the edges of a 5.5-inch iPhone, speculation that agrees with Wang’s prediction.
Other rumors about the 2017 iPhone, which may be called the “iPhone 8” instead of the traditional “iPhone 7s” because of the changes expected, include an edge-to-edge bezel-free display with built-in Touch ID functionality, no home button, and a glass body.
Multiple sources are now also claiming that this year’s iPhone — the iPhone 7 — will not be all that dissimilar to the iPhone 6s, looking more or less the same. Analysts believe there will be little reason for current-generation iPhone 6s users to upgrade. They add that Apple is apparently reserving the BIG changes for 2017’s iPhone 7s which is said to be a “ground-up” redesign of the company’s flagship product, featuring an all-new, all-glass chassis and brand new OLED display technology.
Way back in March, OLED screens on iPhones were getting attention, too, including the idea that Apple could release a 5.8-inch iPhone with an OLED panel.
For what it’s worth, Wang does not name any source, be it a person or manufacturer, for the information, but it wouldn’t be completely out of the realm of possibility. As for what Apple might do with those curved displays, features wise, remains unknown at this point
“Kevin Wong’s [Wang’s] exact words are that after Vivo outed the Xplay 5 with its 5.4″ OLED screen that slopes to the sides like on the S7 edge, there will be more manufacturers using this technique, including Apple with next year’s iPhone.”