Apple has contracted Samsung to produce 160 million OLED panels to be used on the next-generation iPhone

According to the Korea Herald, Apple has contracted Samsung to produce 160 million OLED panels to be used on the next-generation iPhone in a deal worth $4.3 billion. The report suggests that Samsung shall supply 80% of the OLED panels used for the ‘iPhone 8’, with the percentage likely to increase depending on demand for the handset when unveiled in September.

Originally, Apple had only contracted Samsung to produce 100 million panels however, todays report claims the number has increased by 60 million. While the report doesn’t specify a date of delivery for these panels, it’s been widely suggested that Apple will begin manufacturing the ‘iPhone 8’ early to avoid supply constraints.

The news comes after Apple officially joins the Wireless Power Consortium, the governing body behind the Qi charging standard. – It’s been suggested that while the ‘iPhone 8’ will feature wireless charging capabilities, the wireless charging dock will be sold as an additional paid-accessory, with others suggesting that Apple won’t include the standard issue headphone jack adapter or USB-C cable inside the box.

According to Taiwanese based DigiTimes who reference unnamed “industry sources”, Apple is preparing  iris scanning technology to allow ‘iPhone 8’ users to unlock their device or use Apple Pay by authenticating with their eyes, similar to how Touch ID authenticates using a users fingerprint.

Apple officially joins the Wireless Power Consortium, fuelling reports the iPhone 8 will feature wireless charging. https://t.co/wDH6EM038X

— The Apple Post (@TheApplePost) February 13, 2017