iPhone 5 to get thinner in-cell display: WSJ

Rumors regarding the iPhone 5 are gaining steam as Apple’s latest generation smartphone allegedly hits assembly lines to be ready by the millions when it is eventually announced later this fall. The latest tidbit comes from WSJ, which claims Apple would use a brand new display technology to ensure the iPhone 5 is thin and light despite its increased footprint with a bigger 4-inch display.
Apple is likely to use in-cell display technology that does away with one of the three layers that are typically used in a touchscreen display. Regular displays have an LCD with a touch sensor array underneath it and a glass layer (Gorilla Glass these days) on top. However, in-cell display technology merges the touch sensors into the LCD itself, hence saving about half-a-millimeter space. This is huge space saving considering some smartphones are thinner than 8mm. Apple is also likely to save on supply chain and related costs in the long run as these touch sensors and LCDs are bought from different manufacturers.
The latest report is in line with was reported back in April. Sharp, Japan Display Company and LG Displays are said to be providing displays for the iPhone 5. The next iPhone is expected to be slimmer and taller than the current iPhone 4S and is likely to sport a 4-inch display with 640×1136 pixel resolution. It is expected to be launched by October this year.