iPhone 8 3D Sensing Technology Technical Issues Delay Release To Late 2017

Suppliers of OLED screens and 3D sensing technology to Apple, which would use the two components for its high-end 5.8-inch iPhone 8, are experiencing some technical problems. The suppliers are struggling to perfect the lamination process of curved OLED panels and adopting the 3D sensing technology on the front camera system of the upcoming flagship.

60 Million iPhones To Sport OLED Screens

In early March, a new supply chain report came out that Apple would speed up the shift of the company to OLED by using the panel on all iPhones by 2019. However, by 2017, up to 40 percent of its iPhones must have the organic light-emitting diode screen. It is equivalent to 60 million iPhone 8 sporting OLED panels, including the 5.8-inch iPhone 8.

The technical issue could delay the roll-out of the 5.8-inch iPhone 8 from the expected September launch, 9to5 Mac reports. Brian White, an analyst at Drexel Hamilton, in a report, estimates the delay could push the launch to October or November. However, he says in a note emailed to CNBC that the new flagship would still be out in time for the yearend 2017 holidays.

Uses Of 3D Sensor Technology

The 3D sensor technology for the 5.8-inch iPhone 8 would be used for facial recognition, applications of augmented reality and other features. It would be in combination with the selfie camera and back shooter. White adds that because the 3D sensing technology and OLED screens would be offered only with the 5.8-inch iPhone, the upgraded 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch models would launch as scheduled in September.

White does not discount the possibility that Apple would announce the redesigned 5.8-inch iPhone 8 on September but make it available later. But the Cupertino-based tech giants may accept pre-orders for the upcoming flagship, Business Insider reports. The 4.7-inch and 5.6-inch models are likely referring to the iPhone 7S and iPhone 7S Plus which would not be delayed, Investor Place reports.