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Apple next-generation iPhone likely to adopt in-cell touch panels, say sources
Siu Han, Taipei; Steve Shen, DIGITIMES [Friday 20 April 2012]

Apple's new iPhone, which is expected to be released in the third quarter of 2012, is likely to adopt in-cell touch panels rolled out by Sharp and Toshiba Mobile Display (TMD), according to sources in Apple's supply chain.

An improvement in yield rates of the in-cell touch panels at Sharp and TMD has persuaded Apple to choose to cooperate with Japan-based panel makers, the sources noted.

Sharp will produce the in-cell panels at its 5.5G lines, while TMD will utilize its 6G lines for production, indicated the sources, adding that the two makers will begin to ramp up in-cell panel production in the second quarter of 2012.

The adoption of the in-cell touch panels, if realized, will also have a significant impact on the operations of Apple's current touch panel suppliers TPK Holdings and Wintek, which are specialized in the production of glass on glass touch solutions currently, said the sources.

In response, TPK said that it is developing TOL (touch on lens) single-glass touch solutions, which will be more suitable for the production of high-end customized devices and that the market will accommodate more than one technology.

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