Next generation iPhones could allow touchless user input

[Greg S]

As Apple readies its next batch of iPhones and consumers are feeling less need to upgrade since the latest generation lacks significant new features, an insider has shared that two new additions could make an appearance within the next several years.

Curved displays and touchless gesture control could be the next major changes to the iPhone. Samsung has successfully been producing phones with curved edge-to-edge displays since the Galaxy S6 Edge made its debut in 2015. Air Gestures have been around since the launch of the Galaxy S4. However, Apple's plans are significantly different concepts.

Instead of curving outwards towards the edges of the phone, Apple is considering displays that have a concave curvature that slowly dips towards the center from the top and bottom. In order to install a curved display, OLED or MicroLED technology is required. Given that the latter is still at least three years away from production, there is a strong chance that more OLED displays will end up in more iPhone models aside from the flagship.

Touchless gesture control would allow end users to hover their finger over the display and still be able to interact with onscreen options. Unlike Samsung's technology that uses a sensor embedded in the top bezel, Apple is looking at integrating proximity sensing into displays. This new feature could integrate well with the already existing 3D Touch feature that senses the pressure of touch input.

Although curved displays and touchless input may still be years away, greater use of OLED displays is expected this year. A larger 6.5-inch iPhone will carry an OLED display. In order to keep up with demand and also become less reliant on Samsung, Apple will also be sourcing from LG Display for upcoming models.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/74011-next-generation-iphones-could-allow-touchless-user-input.html

 

[davislane1]

The only area where I've seen curved displays being useful is with ultrawide monitors. I don't see what benefit is derived from a curved phone display. It fits better in your back pocket maybe?

 

[Capaill]

Why do we need a touchless UI?

The only thing that I find is seriously missing on smart devices is the ability to hover over something without actually clicking it so we can see tooltips or so you can see what the link will open before you click it. Or even to know what is a link and what is just a picture. It's basic security that any PC with a mouse has.

I think I'll write an App that overlays your browser and puts an invisible link on every webpage (or injects an invisible ad) so that when you swipe on your phone or tablet screen, you're actually clicking the link which sends a premium SMS with a random contact from your phonebook and provides zero feedback to the user. Oh if only I knew how to.

 

[Nobina]

Why do we need a touchless UI?

The only thing that I find is seriously missing on smart devices is the ability to hover over something without actually clicking it so we can see tooltips or so you can see what the link will open before you click it. Or even to know what is a link and what is just a picture. It's basic security that any PC with a mouse has.

I think I'll write an App that overlays your browser and puts an invisible link on every webpage (or injects an invisible ad) so that when you swipe on your phone or tablet screen, you're actually clicking the link which sends a premium SMS with a random contact from your phonebook and provides zero feedback to the user. Oh if only I knew how to.

We need touchless UI because there is nothing else to add to smartphones and money must be made somehow.

 

[Trillionsin]

I'm waiting for the day of accurate eye tracking.

 

[Waleesa]

A similar feature was available in some parts of the UI of the Sony Xperia Sola in 2012.

 

[cliffordcooley]

Touch screens can be a headache at times. Lack of control because the screen was touched at the wrong time or location. Without the need to touch the screen, it will become even more of a headache.

 

[Stingy McDuck]

Back in the 90's:
"See our new flat CRT, because a perfect image must be completely flat"

Now in the 2010's:
"We are investing millions to make our flat LCD curved again"

I really don't see the point, besides boasting about a new tech and having people dump their current displays to buy these new displays. What's next, interlaced displays? Analog ports and image calibration dials?