2018 iPhone Rumors Solidified After This Screen Protector Image Leaked

By now, we can rest assured knowing that Apple is readying three new iPhone models for release this fall — including two high-end models boasting 5.8- and 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED displays, as well as a mid-range model boasting a generous 6.1-inch panel, which could potentially be Apple’s first offering built around LG Display’s next-generation MLCD+ technology.

Though likely to change ahead of their official unveiling, according to some of the latest rumors, Apple’s 2018 iPhone lineup could be split among “two families” — with the more affordable 6.1-inch LCD model possibly being Christened “iPhone 9”, and the higher-end OLED handsets being marketed under the “iPhone 11” and “iPhone 11 Plus” line.

Take that rumor with a grain of salt until further notice, but regardless, branding notwithstanding, we’ve seen plenty of evidence suggesting that all three new iPhone models will feature a physical design markedly similar to Apple’s iPhone X — complete with the same thin-bezeled edge-to-edge displays, a notch with TrueDepth camera tech enabling Face ID and Animoji, and, most notably, lacking Apple’s traditional hardware home button.

New Screen Protector Leak

Earlier this week, the historically reliable Benjamin Geskin published photos of what appear to be three distinctly-designed screen protectors — one fitted for each of Apple’s 5.8-, 6.1-, and 6.5-inch iPhone models. 

While they clearly exude Apple’s trademark iPhone X design in different sizes, if you’ll take a closer look at the image above, you may notice that the middle (6.1-inch) LCD screen protector is garnished with noticeably — but still only slightly thicker — bezels than its OLED neighbors.

What’s particularly odd about this disparity is that the TrueDepth-housing notch on the 6.1-inch iPhone model remains roughly the same size as on the other two — implying that the LCD model’s slightly thicker bezels appear to engulf more of the active display area.

Of course, if Geskin’s leak turns out to be the real deal, and it most likely is, the revelation is probably unlikely to change the minds or hearts of eager, would-be buyers from taking the dive on Apple’s more affordable 6.1-inch iPhone. Besides, while they’re slightly unsightly, the larger bezels might actually be necessary from a technological standpoint. 

Why Does It Have Larger Bezels?

As UberGizmo points out, the majority of LCD displays on the market today function hand-in-hand with the help of backlighting from a “white light source.” And even though this light is always coming from behind the LCD panel, most displays also have lights coming from the edges of the screen — typically in the form of thin light bars tucked underneath the display bezels.

OLED panels, in comparison, don’t require any form of edge-lighting as described above, so that could certainly explain why Apple’s 6.1-inch LCD iPhone has slightly thicker bezels to begin with — despite the similar design of its counterparts. 

Still, as we noted above, it’s unlikely that anyone who’s already set their sights on Apple’s upcoming LCD iPhone will change their mind simply because of the minor bezel disparity.

Let’s not forget that regardless of the bezels surrounding it, the 6.1-inch LCD display will embody Apple’s largest to date.

To be fair, the company is also poised to unveil an even larger, 6.5-inch “iPhone 11 Plus” model — not only boasting upgraded OLED display technology, but also thinner bezels. But, that model is also slated to cost somewhere in the ballpark of $1,000 or more, according to the latest analysis.

Apple’s slightly smaller LCD model — offering some of the same burgeoning technologies like Face ID, improved components and a refreshed design — is rumored to cost somewhere between $550 and $700.

That being said, it appears this whole dilemma can be boiled down into a classic case of “you get what you pay for.” Even with its slightly larger bezels, Apple’s 6.1-inch iPhone is still expected to be the company’s most popular model this year, undoubtedly because it’s also poised to cost hundreds of dollars less than the others.

Which of Apple’s upcoming 2018 iPhone models are you upgrading to? Let us know in the comments!

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]