Apple Rumored to Be Testing New 'Touch on Display' Technology for Next iPhone

iphone5According to a rumor from The China Times [Google translation], Apple is planning to adopt new touch panels with "Touch on Display" technology for the next iteration of the iPhone. The panels, which have been developed by Apple supplier Innolux, are said to be in testing at the moment.

Apple's iPhone 5 incorporated a display that uses in-cell technology, and it has been reported that problems with the recognition of rapid diagonal swiping on the screen are due to the display. That may be one reason Apple is looking at new touch panel technology.

The China Times concurs, pointing to the slow response speed of the iPhone 5's touch panels along with interference issues as the deciding factor behind the switch.

There isn't much information available about the Touch On Display panels, but they are said to be thin and tough, with a thickness of 0.5mm and improved optical performance and sensitivity.

The new display would presumably be used in Apple's iPhone 5S, which could be entering production as early as the first quarter of 2013.

Rumors about the next-generation iPhone are already surfacing, with a report earlier this week claiming that the iPhone may launch in mid–2013 in several different colors and sizes, and a leaked photo in December of what might be the rear shell of the next phone.

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Top Rated Comments

bb426 Avatar
165 months ago
I have had zero problems with my iPhone 5 screen.

Then again I don't swipe rapidly in diagonal directions on a daily basis either.
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Agent OrangeZ Avatar
165 months ago
Really, rapid swiping and slow response time.

How many people are have these issues?

MacRumors content image

Fruit Ninja says, "HELLO!"
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
caligomez Avatar
165 months ago
My iPhone 5 display works great.. Don't know what problems they are referring to..
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bb426 Avatar
165 months ago
... hopefully the 5S fixes whatever paint issues the 5 had
I'm assuming you mean the "flawed" black aluminum. Which wasn't really flawed until someone purposely flawed it with a sharp object.

Just another excuse to upgrade :p
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Agent OrangeZ Avatar
165 months ago
besides fruit ninja?

Someone that has this issue with 'normal' usage.

Many would argue that games are one of the most "normal" things you can do with an iDevice. What's "normal" for you, may not be for someone else. As a matter of fact, my 9 year old son and my 10 year old daughter each have an iPod Touch. They "normally" use it to play games and rarely use the other features.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kwiiboy Avatar
165 months ago
Image (http://screenshots.en.sftcdn.net/en/scrn/317000/317027/fruit-ninja-27.jpg)

Fruit Ninja says, "HELLO!"

Nope, I haven't had problems with Fruit Ninja.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)