A published report says the new iPhone will have a thinner screen. That could leave more room for a larger battery.

The Wall Street Journal is citing unnamed people familiar with the matter in reporting that the new iPhone will have a screen that can sense touches without the need for a separate, touch-sensitive layer.

Tuesday's report says that would shave off half a millimeter from the thickness of the screen.

That doesn't mean the phone itself will be thinner. For instance, Apple might use the space freed up to expand the battery. That, in turn, could offset some of the higher battery drain expected from chips that use new, high-speed wireless data networks.

Apple doesn't comment on its product plans. A new iPhone is expected this fall.