Apple might not use Amoled displays on its iPhones until 2018. There were persistent online speculations the tech giant will introduce the new Amoled display used in the Samsung Galaxy series of smartphones for its iPhone 7 in 2016.

Reliable KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the Cupertino giant might not opt for the latest Amoled display for it upcoming flagship smartphone and continue with the battery power-eating LCD screens. Apple has been using the LCD IPS displays for many years.

Kuo has an excellent track record for predicting Apple’s next moves. In January, he predicted the latest iPad pro will come with a pressure-sensitive stylus, which is now officially known as Apple Pencil.

Kuo mentioned that Apple Insider secured a copy of the published KGI research note where he noted that Foxconn will invest US$4 billion to build its 6th generation LTPS TFT-LCD plant for making iPhone screens in Zhengzhou, China. The plant will begin mass production by 2018.

Amoled displays, which are currently used by many of Apple’s rivals, are more power efficient than Apple’s backlit LCD panels, reports Forbes. LCD displays use a backlight to achieve more brightness across the display screen, which eventually reduces battery life.

Prevailing rumours say the iPhone 7 could be the thinnest iPhone ever. Considering Apple’s plan to make the iPhone 7 as thin as 6 mm to 6.5 mm, it’s even more improbable the company will incorporate a bigger battery for the upcoming flagship.

LCD panels, however, have an edge over the Amoled in terms of production cost, product life and supply flexibility. Apple uses Amoled screen technology for its Apple Watch. OLEDs are also well known for their brighter displays.

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