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MagyariPhone SE 2 could launch in May, Apple could be stuck with Samsung for OLED panels
If you’re a fan of compact smartphones that offer processing power similar to larger high-end offerings, your choices are limited: the only two smartphone that have you covered are Apple’s iPhone SE and Sony’s XZ2 Compact. Good news it is then to learn that an upgrade for the two-year old iPhone SE is set to arrive sometime in May, according to the rumor mill.
Japan’s Macotakara garnered from case manufacturers featuring at the Global Sources Mobile Electronics tradeshow in Hong Kong that they are expecting an official announcement from Apple in May. Case makers have often been the sources of product leaks ahead of launch as they often gain access to general schematics so that they can offer accessories to customers in line with a smartphone launch. In this instance, they are tipping the same general 4-inch form factor, retention of Touch ID (meaning no Face ID or notch), as well as a glass back for wireless Qi charging. The 3.5mm headphone jack, however, looks to be nixed this time around, but it will pick up the quad core Apple A10 Fusion SoC.
In other Apple related news, reports have surfaced that LG won’t be able to meet Apple’s specifications and requirements for OLED panels for the rumored plus-sized iPhone X sequel expected to ramp up production around July. This will leave Apple at the mercy of Samsung Display, which is currently the only supplier for the OLED panels in the iPhone X. Apple had hoped to reduce its reliance on Samsung by bringing LG on board as an OLED supplier.
Not only does Apple have a difficult relationship with Samsung, but the Korean company is said to be charging Apple upwards of US$97 for each 5.8-inch panel. As the sole supplier for the rumored 6.5-inch iPhone “Xs Plus,” Apple is now in no position to bargain. Although LG is considered the leading maker of OLED panels for TVs, its mobile division instead invested most of its resources in LCD development. LG has been criticized for the quality of its OLED panels fitted to the Google Pixel XL 2 and its own V30 and V30 ThinQ handsets.
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