In recent years, more expensive iPhone models have used organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays, which are superior in terms of display quality. But for reasons of cost, Apple has continued to release new devices with LCD screens.
This year, for example, the iPhone XR uses an LCD screen. But Apple's higher-end iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max use OLED screens.
Apple is planning to drop LCD displays from its lineup entirely, according to the report, which cited unnamed sources familiar with Apple's production plans.
This is stressing Japan Display, Apple's LCD supplier, which is partially owned and mostly funded by the Japanese government. It's considering selling the company to Chinese and Taiwanese investors, including TPK Holdings, which currently makes touch-panel parts for the iPhone, and a China-owned "Silk Road Fund."
Although LCD displays have been commoditized in recent years, Japan Display may have value to a buyer given its close ties to Apple, according to the report .
But Apple is unlikely to omit LCD displays from its lineup entirely in 2019. Apple releases new iPhones in September, and the design for this year's models have started to be locked down.
- An iPhone XR sequel, with an LCD display as well as a double-lens camera on the back, a change from the current single camera. The 2018 version currently starts at $749.
- An iPhone XS sequel with Apple's higher-quality OLED screen as well as a double-lens camera on the back, like the 2018 model. That device currently starts at $999.
- An iPhone XS Max sequel but this one will have a triple-lens camera. The 2018 model costs $1,099 or more right now.
Data also suggests that customers are getting less excited for each new generation of iPhone.
SEE ALSO: Apple's big plan to revive iPhone sales in 2019: more cameras