Iphone anticipated for significant OLED enhancement that might surpass Samsung phones' capabilities
Apple is reportedly planning to adopt simplified tandem OLED technology for future iPhones, potentially starting around 2028. This technology, which stacks two OLED layers but only doubles the blue subpixel layer, is expected to improve brightness, power efficiency, and panel longevity compared to current single-stack OLED displays in iPhones.
Apple is in discussions with both LG Display and Samsung Display about using this technology for iPhones. LG, with its experience producing two-stack tandem OLEDs for automotive displays and iPads, is reportedly slightly ahead in the development of simplified tandem OLED technology. Samsung, however, is rapidly closing the gap and is also expected to supply tandem OLEDs for future iPhones to ensure production capacity and price competitiveness.
In comparison, Samsung's tandem OLED technology development for automotive displays is currently different in approach, focusing mostly on single-stack OLED structures for cars. LG's automotive OLEDs, on the other hand, use the two-stack tandem method, indicating a more mature application of tandem OLED in the automotive sector by LG compared to Samsung.
Here's a summary of the current state of tandem OLED technology for iPhones and Samsung's automotive displays:
| Aspect | Apple iPhone Tandem OLED | Samsung Automotive OLED | LG Automotive OLED | |-----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | OLED stack method | Simplified tandem (double blue subpixel layer) | Mostly single-stack | Two-stack tandem | | Target devices | iPhones (from ~2028) | Automotive displays | Automotive displays | | Supplier competition | LG and Samsung in talks; LG slightly ahead | Mainly single-stack tech | Advanced two-stack tandem tech | | Benefits | Brighter, more power-efficient, longer lifespan | High-quality but mostly single-stack | Brighter and longer-lasting from tandem |
If Apple uses tandem OLED technology before Samsung, it could give iPhones a serious edge over Samsung's Galaxy phones. However, Apple hasn't committed to using tandem OLED panels for iPhones, but it might partner with LG Display.
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[1] The Elec: https://www.theinvestor.co.kr/view.php?ud=20230216000003 [2] The Verge: https://www.theverge.com/2022/1/19/22897601/apple-ipad-pro-m1-mini-led-display-oled-tandem-technology [3] MacRumors: https://www.macrumors.com/2022/01/19/oled-tandem-technology-ipad-pro-m1/ [4] Display Daily: https://www.displaydaily.com/news/2023/02/16/lg-display-to-supply-tandem-oled-panels-for-ipad-pro-2024-samsung-to-supply-oled-panels-for-galaxy-z-flip-5/
- The reported plan by Apple to adopt simplified tandem OLED technology for future iPhones might give those devices an edge over Samsung's Galaxy smartphones, considering this technology's potential for improving brightness, power efficiency, and panel longevity.
- LG Display, with its experience in producing two-stack tandem OLEDs for devices like iPads, is slightly ahead in the development of this technology, making it a potential partner for Apple when supplying OLED panels for iPhones starting from around 2028.
