iPhone 7 may use same touchscreen tech as original iPhone

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Old school iPhone tech is making a comeback.
Old school iPhone tech is making a comeback.
Photo: Gordon Mei/Flickr

The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus haven’t even been revealed yet, but the rumor mill is already spitting out new details about next year’s iPhone 7, which could boast a big display upgrade.

Apple is supposedly considering moving back to the same touchscreen technology it used in the original iPhone, according to a new rumor citing supply chain sources, saying Apple has requested samples of glass-on-glass (G/G) displays for consideration.

Apple switched to in-cell displays with the launch of the iPhone 5, but it may use ultra-thin G/G displays in 2016. “Makers have already begun sending samples of fully laminated G/G technology to Apple and Corning along with Asahi Glass have also reportedly sent glass samples,” reports Digitimes.

The G/G displays are slightly thicker than the in-cell tech currently used in the iPhone 6 and upcoming 6s, but it has a few advantages. In-cell technology has been struggling with production bottlenecks that prevent Apple from adding new features, and vendors are finding it nearly impossible to make 4K displays with it.

By switching to G/G, Apple could bring higher screen resolutions like 4K to the iPhone. The displays are also more sensitive around the edges of the screen, and don’t require as big a bezel, which could allow Apple to launch a bezel-free iPhone.

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