The latest bunch of iPhone 5 rumors has brought in something relatively new after a very long time! According to a report from Digitimes , iPhone 5 will bear a thinner in-cell touch screen. Its sources in Apple say that Toshiba Mobile Display and Sharp are responsible for manufacturing the screen units.

As reported, 6G lines will be utilized by TMD (Toshiba Mobile Display) and 5.5G lines will be used by Sharp for manufacturing purposes. In the second quarter, the two alleged suppliers will be increasing the production rate of in-cell touch panels, says Digitimes. The report goes on to say that Apple has chosen to show cooperation with screen manufacturers in Japan because it was convinced by the increase in production rate at TMD and Sharp.

However, if Apple actually incorporates in-cell touch panels in the iPhone 5, Wintek and TPK Holdings will have to pay the price for that! These companies produce display screen for the Apple at present. However, they develop panels based on the “glass on glass” technology, and not in-cell touch solutions. Apple’s new collaboration with two other companies will definitely affect Wintek’s and TPK’s relations.

When asked for a comment, TPK Holdings said that it is working on a new kind of technology called “touch on lens (TOL) single glass touch” technology. According to TPK, once developed, makers will find this solution to be more appropriate for manufacturing high-end customized gadgets.

What is the In-Cell Touch Screen Technology?

The in-cell touch technology will bring in a complete redesign  for the sixth generation iPhone. Instead of placing touch sensors on a completely different surface, it will become possible to incorporate them under the TFT (thin film transistor) layer of the display. This would result in a slim-trim, lighter and a brighter screen. It will become easier to read the content on screen in direct sunlight.

In its report, Digitimes stresses on the summer release of iPhone 5. However, Digitimes has a very bad record when it comes to Apple-related news. So, the reliability of its “sources” cannot be justified!

In a completely different report, David Hsieh (an analyst at DisplaySearch) also repeats what Digitimes says. During an interview with Focus Taiwan, David said that manufacturers like Sharp, Sony and Toshiba would likely supply display screens based on in-cell touch technology for Apple. In his words: “Of course, Taiwanese panel makers are also developing this technology, but Japanese suppliers still run faster.”

Other Latest Rumors on iPhone 5 Release date and Features

Lot many sources have suggested June  or October  release of iPhone 5. Recently, it was also said that “the next generation iPhone” will have a liquidmetal back instead of a glass back cover. We may also see 4G LTE and a bigger display on iPhone 5.