LG G7 release date, feature, specs rumors: Upcoming flagship to include a concealable notch

The LG G6, featuring slimmer bezels and Hi-Fi DACLG website

It cannot be denied that Apple's iPhone X has started a new trend in today's smartphones. Some of the previously-launched Android handsets at the previous Mobile World Congress (MWC) have the 2017 iPhone model's notch display. According to the latest leaks, LG's next smartphone flagship, the G7, will go with the flow by featuring an iPhone X-like notch. However, the catch here is that the notch can be concealed by the user using a little software trick.

The latest LG G7 leaks supplied by Ynet reveal that the LG G7 will sport a notch area on the upper portion of its front display. However, the users will be given an option to hide this feature. It appears that the software settings has a control on the notch appearance. If the user finds the notch distracting, he can opt to have the notch cut out, or be a part of a thin screen bezel on top. When the latter option is chosen, the LG G7 resembles the Samsung Galaxy S9, according to Tech Radar.

The LG G7 leaks suggest that the flagship will use Google's upcoming Android P OS update. The first beta build of the operating system includes support for Android devices with a notch display, and the LG G7 will use this Android P feature to make its notch concealable.

Earlier reports state that LG has delayed the arrival of its next flagship this year as the G series undergoes a major design overhaul. The extent of the changes in terms of design and hardware is not yet determined, although the public can expect a more radical LG G7 smartphone compared with its predecessors. As of now, the LG G7 is expected to be launched at a standalone event in May. The new and improved LG G7 will come with a heavy price, however, as it is rumored that the handset will be 100,000 Won or US$94 more expensive than the last flagship. A plus-sized LG G7 is also underway.