Although the previous generation iPod nano had curved glass (it wasn’t universally loved), the Samsung Nexus S was the first mainstream smartphone with curved glass.  If Digitimes is right, the iPhone 5 may be the second (and likely more popular).

That would seem to fly in the face of recent reports that the iPhone 5 would be very similar to the iPhone 4 in appearance.  Digitimes has found what they think is anecdotal evidence.

Although Samsung is a competitor wrapped in lawsuits with Apple, it is also a major supplier and obviously has experience with curved glass screens.

The glass slicing machines are currently being stored at associated assembly plants and will be brought online once yield rates for the production of curved glass reaches a satisfactory level, the sources revealed.

  • Production roadmap for iPhone 5 not yet released, suppliers say (9to5mac.com)
  • iPhone 5 prototypes spotted: metal back, larger display, iPhone 4 shape? (9to5mac.com)
  • “iPhone 5″ case pulled from online trading site – is it real? (9to5mac.com)
  • iPhone 5 to have aluminum back, new antenna design? (9to5mac.com)
  • iPhone 5 front and rear-facing camera parts appear, point to relocated camera flash? (9to5mac.com)
  • DigiTimes: Labor and materials shortage could affect iPad, iPhone shipments in Q2 (9to5mac.com)
  • Notebook vendors: iPad’s key advantage over Android slates? Richness of tablet-tailored apps (9to5mac.com)
  • Component shortages likely to delay May shipments for iPad rivals (9to5mac.com)