Apple Preparing to Use OLED Displays for iPhone and Computers?

In an article making a broad sweep of claims, SmartHouse revives rumors that Apple will be moving its computer and iPhone/iPod touch displays to OLED technology, claiming that a representative of display manufacturer LG has confirmed the news.

According to the source, OLED technology will be making its way into Apple's entire lineup of displays, from notebooks and standalone displays to the iPhone and iPod touch. SmartHouse also cites another source claiming that Apple has already created a prototype netbook using an OLED display.

In addition, SmartHouse reports on OLED touchscreen-based notebooks under consideration by Apple:

Sources in Taiwan told ChannelNews last month that Apple were looking at an OLED based notebook that will also incorporate new touch screen technology. Now sources in Korea are saying that this information is correct and that one area where LG has been testing OLED panels is in the area of touch sensitivity and "leave behind finger marks".

The sources claim that in recent testing OLED screens used on a notebook attracted "body oils and sweat" when a finger was constantly used on a screen. LG believe that by adding a layer in the manufacturing process that they can eliminate "finger marking".

Finally, SmartHouse's sources point to a "wafer thin" OLED screen capable of interfacing with an Apple TV-like product, although no additional details on this are provided.

While the reduced power consumption and superior contrast ratio of OLEDs when compared to traditional LCDs and LEDs have made such a move an attractive rumor since at least 2003, Apple has yet to adopt the technology in any of its products. Pricing and various technical challenges such as limited lifetimes of the organic components in OLEDs are typically regarded as the most significant barrier to adoption.

The sheer number of claims offered, along with a lack of detail and the revival of a long-standing yet unfulfilled rumor, lead us to be skeptical of these assertions, so we have published this story on Page 2 for interest and discussion.