There have been rumors that Apple plans to start using OLED display on its iPhone. The tech company has always been using LCD display but that is about to change with the upcoming iPhone 8 next year. Based on a recent report, Apple has already ordered plastic OLED from its famous rival Samsung. Furthermore, the OLED iPhone 8 models will feature curved panels akin to the Galaxy S7 Edge.
Apparently, a source told The Korea Herald, “The OLED version of the new iPhone will all be curved as Apple ordered plastic OLED – not glass – from Samsung Display.” The decision to use plastic and not glass might be caused by the capability of plastic OLED to be used for curved devices. One perfect example for that is the Galaxy S7 Edge. The source added that Samsung Display will be able to provide not more than 100 million units of curved OLED displays to Apple.
The figure indicates that not all iPhones set to be released next year will sport the said screen technology. The supply may not meet the demand for Apple’s flagship smartphone. The iPhone 8 LCD versions will have a flat panel. It will be supplied by both LG Display and JDI.
The catch is not so much as Apple trying to venture into OLED displays. Though the tech giant will adopt new sensing technologies, the company might forego the one obvious feature. Users of Galaxy S7 Edge know that their phone responds when it is touched on its side. This is not something Apple wants to carry on to their new device.
According to the Apple Insider, rumors surrounding the upcoming iPhone 8 include two LCD models measuring 4.7-inches and 5.5-inches. The model with curved OLED display is said to be either 5.1 or 5.2-inches.
The report also revealed that Apple has the intention to not rely too much on Samsung for OLED panels. The two biggest smartphone makers have been fighting for dominance in their market. It would not help for Apple to have Samsung as one of its suppliers. The US-based company might shift to LG Display for innovative screen displays. LG Display is said to be working with Apple and Google to develop foldable panels.
An Apple patent application published a back in November showed the company’s plan of a foldable iPhone. The Apple patent No. 9,504,170 entitled “flexible display devices” was first filed to the US Patent and Trademark Office on July 2014. In addition, these foldable panels that LG Display will produce might become available by 2018.
