Sharp, one of Apple’s display suppliers, is reportedly set to begin mass production of the LCD panels for the next generation iPhone, dubbed iPhone 5S in June at its Kameyama Plant No. 1 in Japan, according to a report from Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun via AppleInsider.
Sharp will supposedly be using its Kameyama Plant No. 1 to churn out LCDs bound for the so-called “iPhone 5S,” Apple’s much-rumored next-generation handset expected to see release in the third quarter, reports Japan’s Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun (via Kodawarisan). The Kameyama facility has seen poor utilization rates as Sharp’s LCD business waned in 2012, with the plant’s use dropping to some 40 percent of its 600-million unit per month maximum capacity.
The report also notes that Apple’s other display suppliers: Japan Display and LG Display have already started mass production of LCD panels for iPhone 5S.
There were speculations of Summer launch of iPhone 5S, which now seems highly unlikely because Apple is going to expected unveil iOS 7 at WWDC with a public release in September/October and the next iPhone will be released with iOS 7 installed.
During last month’s earning call, Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook hinted “amazing new hardware, software and services later this fall”, strongly indicating September/October release for iPhone 5S.
The next generation iPhone is rumored to come with improved hardware such as faster processor, better camera, fingerprint sensor and NFC chip. Exterior, however, will most probably remain unchanged.