Apple's iPhone 7 has been making the headlines are more hints from supply chain sources and analyts' predictions surface. Recently, Apple seemingly made last minute changes to its supply chain lineup suggesting tweaks in the upcoming phone. More importantly, there are talks about the iPhone 7 coming off as a 4-inch device on top of sporting a high tech metal build. Which is which? What can people expect from the iPhone 7?

As Apple's partner chipmaker GlobalFoundries suffers from poor yields, the company has reportedly made changes to make sure it can meet demands for the next-generation iPhone. Apple awarded one-third of the A9 chip orders instead to the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ming-Chi Kuo from KGI Securities noted to investors that Apple just made a "last-minute decision to recruit TSMC." As the analyst stated in his note: "Recruiting TSMC reduces supply uncertainties for Apple."

To make sure the upcoming line of iPhones does not suffer the same "bendgate" scandal, supply chain sources also hinted that Apple may use a 7000 series aluminium. It is the same build found on the Apple Watch's Sport Edition. Should the company continue with such, the upcoming iPhone 7 or iPhone 6s will offer a build 60 percent harder than current offering.

More interestingly, Apple may not be going for the iPhone 6 series size as new information from DigiTimes noted a 4-inch Apple phone coming instead. As the site stated: "The report quoted supply chain sources resources stating that Apple is looking for additional panel suppliers both for current and upcoming iPhones in order to secure shipments, as other makers' yields have been fluctuating."

"AUO is expected to supply 4-inch panels and is currently prepping 4.7- and 5.5-inch LTPS In-Cell displays at its L3A and 3B fabs, the report added." Apple has not provided any official details about the device yet.

To report problems or leave feedback on this article, email: p.silva@ibtimes.com.au.

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