iPhone 8 release date, specs, news: 2017 iPhone shifting to OLED displays?

A promotional image for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 PlusApple website

Supposedly, Apple will be introducing major improvements to the next iPhone, including a switch to OLED displays.

According to Apple Insider, filing notes suggest that the Cupertino-based tech giant is set to introduce a massive overhaul for its 2017 products, which will likely include the much-anticipated iPhone 8. Apple has reportedly placed a purchase order with a total amount of $4 billion, which is inarguably a major investment. The investment is supposedly for long-term OLED supplies from Samsung.

Meanwhile, it is also said that Apple is looking forward to the display switch as one of the new features which will drive iPhone 8 sales. Aside from Samsung, Apple is also reportedly looking into sourcing the iPhone 8's OLED displays from other suppliers like Japan Display and Sharp.

Should this prove true, it is likely that the new display will replace the LCD panels that are current features of the iPhone, most recently the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. This is a major shift in hardware components for the lineup. With the new technology, some are saying that it will add a few more improvements in the next iPhone such as longer battery life. OLED displays draw out minimal power compared with LCD panels, and they are much more flexible, should Apple opt for a curved edge design.

Aside from the display tech switch, Apple is also rumored to introduce major changes to the iPhone's other hardware components, as well as its design. Supposedly, the next iPhone will have a revolutionary new body made of all-glass construction. It is also expected that the feature introduced — or ditched — in the iPhone 7, foregoing the standard audio jack, will also make it to next year's lineup.

Other purported specs for the iPhone 8 include an all-new A11 or A11X chipset, at least 4 GB of RAM, and improved dual-cam setup for its top-tier version.