Apple has ordered 70 million bendable OLED panels for the upcoming iPhone 8

The iPhone 8 is coming, and it almost certainly has a curved display.

At least, that is the takeaway from a new report by Nikkei Asian Review, which claims that Apple has ordered 70 million bendable OLED panels for use on its upcoming phone. Nikkei states that a "supply chain source" with knowledge of iPhone designs shared this order information with them. According to this source, Apple plans to use the displays "this year" on a phone.

If the information is correct, then it all but confirms previous rumors that claimed Apple was working on an iPhone with a curved screen. It also backs up a previous report that Apple had ordered 160 million OLED displays for its upcoming iPhone. At first glance, that report seems to contradict the newer 70 million number; however, it could mean that the company also plans to use OLED screens in the two other iPhones it plans to release this year.

The Nikkei report also reveals Samsung as Apple's OLED manufacturer of choice. The South Korean electronics maker is expected to make all of the displays for the iPhone 8, negating earlier reports that LG would also provide OLED screens for the Cupertino giant. Samsung is even preparing to "churn out as many as 95 million [OLED panels] for Apple," highlighting not only the partnership between both companies but the incredibly optimistic expectations the latter has for its new iPhone.

In addition to the OLED revelations, another source tells Nikkei that all three upcoming iPhones will feature wireless charging and be waterproof. A specific water resistance rating was not mentioned. One of the handsets will carry a 3-D sensor capable of facial recognition. Apple's premium offering (likely the iPhone 8) will not have a home button, similar to the Samsung Galaxy S8.

Because Apple has not officially commented on this report, it should be taken as speculation (regardless of the dependability of the sources) for the time being.

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