Apple, despite what some people say, has always been doing things in its own way. However, it seems that Apple will jump into Samsung’s game: the curved screen. According to reports, a curved screen iPhone may be launched next year.

Curved screen iPhone: Apple’s change of strategy

According to Nikkei Asian Review, next year’s iPhone line-up will have 3 different and distinct variants: a 4.7″ model, a 5.5″ model, and a premium model with 5.5″ or larger, with screen curved on the sides, or in short, a curved screen iPhone. We can’t help but think about Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, and of course, the recent hype of Samsung Galaxy Note 7. Nikkei Asian Review said they got this information from a source familiar with Apple’s plans.

The report did not explicitly state it, but that would mean Apple has to switch to an OLED screen for the premium curved screen iPhone. The first two new models will still sport traditional flat screen, which means they will likely be LCD. However, as we have said in an earlier article, OLED screen is superior to LCD: they consume less energy, display dark colors better, and they can be more flexible (curved). Also, there’s a bit of irony here, since Samsung will be the sole supplier of OLED screens for Apple.

Of course, reports like this need to be taken with a grain of salt. However, there are reasons to believe the rumor this time. Firstly, Apple has been granted patents for their curved screen. They’re not good just sitting around, so a good bet is that it will be put to good use with the curved screen iPhone. And, with the coming line-up of iPhone 7 reported to not be different from other iPhone models, Apple would need to step their game up in terms of design.

Curved screen iPhone: What does this mean for Apple?

The introduction of curved screen iPhone will mean a lot to Apple. With the enormous success of Galaxy S7 Edge, and the recent Galaxy Note 7, Samsung has proven that curved screen is not just a marketing gimmick. With Apple’s declining sales in recent consecutive quarters, and its criticism of no innovation in recent iPhone models, the curve screen could be a game changer. If Apple implements it well, it can break out of its state of stagnation. And the Apple faithfuls can rejoice once more.