Curved touchscreens could be a “big thing” for handheld devices in 2012 according to Digitimes. It reports that Apple and “the non-Apple camp” are both set to launch products with curved touchscreens in the first half 2012. Citing “sources in the glass industry,” it reports that Apple in particular has lined up suppliers for both iPhone and iPad products and purchased the necessary glass polishing equipment for them.
It adds that Apple’s competitors are considering the move as a “competitive edge.”
The same sources suggest that curved glass designs may be a short-lived fad. It remains to be seen if manufacturers are ready to commit to curved glass models for the long run.