Apple is expected to include "new" features to its upcoming 2021 iPhone and rumors of what they could be are spreading like wildfire.
According to a report from Apple Insider, one of those features could be an always-on display on a low-temperature polycrystalline oxide screen, similar to those found on the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.
Leakers such as Everything Apple Pro and Max Weinbach have agreed that the upcoming iPhone will likely sport the new display given how its successful use on the latest Apple Watches. Like the latest Apple Watch, the company could make always-on display a thing on its latest smartphone.
Apart from allowing it to keep the display always on, an LTPO display is much more battery-efficient and can be designed to have a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The display can always show a phone's lock screen , which allows users to view a handful of useful information briefly without having to unlock their phones.
Several reports said that the screen will likely show the clock, battery percentage, and several notifications at any given time. The screen is then updated with new notifications and information at set intervals to conserve the battery.
Aside from the new always-on display, analysts predict that the new iPhones will be coming with a few other upgrades. This includes improved ultra-wide cameras with better low-light performance, allowing for better astrophotography.
Reports claim that the new iPhone could also be coming with stronger MagSafe magnets as a response to complaints from consumers of their magnetic wallets falling out when they pull their phones out of their pockets.
Weinbach said in his latest leak report that the latest iPhone's design will likely not change much this year. He said that Apple may release new colors, including a grippier matte black version of its Pro models.
Another feature that could be coming, which leakers said may or may not be integrated into this year's model, is an in-display fingerprint reader. Android smartphones have had the feature for quite a while now and Apple is expected to catch up.
Like all rumors, the reports need to be taken with a grain of salt. Apple could end up cutting those features out of the latest model at the last minute. Even the reported integration of the LTPO displays could be postponed, similar to how Apple had dropped the 120Hz displays for the iPhone 12 due to battery life concerns.
