Neil Hughes
Apple is said to have begun diversifying its Apple Watch supply chain, bringing Samsung into the fold for its low-power OLED panels, and potentially paving the way for a next-generation iPhone with an OLED panel, according to a new supply chain rumor.
Previously, LG Display was believed to be the sole OLED supplier for all Apple Watch models. But according to South Korea's ETNews, longtime Apple supplier — and rival — Samsung has entered the fray.
If true, the report would dispute an earlier rumor from July, which suggested Apple would stick solely with LG through the second-generation Apple Watch.
In addition, Samsung is also said to be providing sample OLED panels that Apple could use in a future iPhone model. To date, Apple has opted to use LCD technology in all iPhone models.
In the past, Apple has introduced new technologies and features in a singular new product, then gradually brought them to other devices in its ecosystem. If Apple were to do the same with OLED, it could bring new advantages to the iPhone, including longer battery life with a "dark" user interface, as well as a thinner, backlight-free panel design.
Tuesday's report, which was first spotted by DigiTimes, alleges that Apple is expected to make a decision in November about whether to include an OLED display in next year's iPhone. To date, Apple has not opted to use OLED in its blockbuster iPhone lineup due to "various production bottlenecks," the report states.
Until Apple makes its decision, Samsung is reportedly in a holding pattern, waiting to decide whether it will invest further in curved OLED panels at its A3 facilities. Efforts to mass produce that technology are said to be still early.
Finally, it was also said that Apple is cooperating more closely with JDI for "higher-end displays," and that the partnership could result in panels for a 2016 iPhone update.
As for the next Apple Watch, it's unknown when a second-generation model is set to debut, though an update isn't expected until at least 2016. The first-generation Apple Watch debuted this April, followed by watchOS 2 and new colors in September, but supply chain rumors have not yet indicated how frequently Apple plans to update the internal hardware in its wearable lineup.
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38 Comments
I suspect with iPhone 7 (if that's what Apple calls it) we're going to see a big improvement in the display and camera. I think some of what we saw with the 6s with Live Photos and the dark animated wallpapers are hinting at that. Hopefully that means iOS 10 will offer a dark theme. :)
I'd expect a MicroLED panel, honestly. They didn't buy LuxVue just for giggles.
It would be awesome if Apple finally used oled on their iPhones. The display on the new Samsung Note is absolutely incredible. My girlfriend is sick of me ooh-ing and aw-ing every time she pulls out her phone and I comment of the screen. She says she gets it, I like the screen. But It really is that good. It's certainly oooh and awe worthy.
LG's WOLED is still better for Internet content. The only reason not going for it would be yield issues.
I think the Apple watch is a testing ground for Apple intention of LG WOLED display. Once they are ready, the whole production line will move to iPhone. And Samsung can have the smaller Apple Watch screen all they want.
My experience of OLED is over saturated eye candy, but not very accurate color. However, if as rogifan mentions, Apple adopted OLED, there would be a strong incentive to offer a dark theme. Some of us would vastly prefer a dark theme, particularly in that awful, blindingly white photos app. Don't think there will be a "big improvement" in the camera though. Diminishing returns. The 6s camera is pretty darn good.