Apple is 'Close' to OLED Screen Deal With LG and Samsung for Future iPhones

Apple is close to signing a final agreement with LG Display and Samsung to provide OLED screens for next-generation iPhones, according to a new report from ET News [Google Translate] (via Reuters). The OLED panels are rumored to be included with iPhones starting in 2018.

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The two Korean companies plan to spend around $12.8 billion (15 trillion won) combined to build up OLED production capacity over the next two to three years. ET News also adds that Apple is likely to provide some funding to both LG and Samsung to help with their investments. Additionally, LG plans on converting existing LCD production lines into OLED production lines to reduce costs. Samsung, on the other hand, will produce 30 percent fewer orders than LG.

Last month, Nikkei reported that Apple plans to switch iPhones over to OLED displays starting in 2018, with both LG and Samsung sharing a large portion of OLED panel production. LG was already planning capacity upgrades for high-volume OLED screen production that would be required for iPhone demand. Earlier this month, it was reported that Japan Display was also planning mass production of OLED displays for iPhones starting in 2018.

OLED displays can provide sharper images and brighter colors compared to LCD displays. However, OLED displays tend to have shorter lifespans and come with higher manufacturing costs. Apple has been reportedly "consulting with display makers" on how to minimize potential drawbacks.

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Top Rated Comments

Hal~9000 Avatar
116 months ago
Oh baby!

I just can't wait for all the "OMG I got a LG display, should I return it to try and get a Samsung display?" threads :rolleyes:
Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Agent OrangeZ Avatar
116 months ago
Get ready for.... Displaygate!

iPhone 7 release... MacRumor users:

"What's the best way to get a Rose Gold iPhone 7 Plus with a TSMC A10 Chip and LG display? I read online that the LG display is 2% brighter and 1% more energy efficient. I deserve only the best!"
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nviz22 Avatar
116 months ago
Finally they are making progress towards making the screens better. Lcds are nice, but OLED is much better.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
\-V-/ Avatar
116 months ago
I have an iPhone 5 and waiting for an iPhone 7 and now news of OLED making it to an iPhone but not until 2018. Sad day for me and my first world problems. :(
Do you want a silk handkerchief to wipe those tears?
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DoctorTech Avatar
116 months ago
It boggles my mind that a company (ok, two companies) can spend $12.8 Billion for a factory just to make iPhone screens.
That is some serious manufacturing capacity and I am sure extremely high quality standards.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
musika Avatar
116 months ago
On OLED screens, black takes less power, while white on the LED tech on current iPhones takes less power. I'd like to see them offer a 'Dark Mode' or just a black-based UI in general, like the Apple Watch.

As much as I don't like the Apple Watch, the UI is pretty cool in places, especially because it seems to blend into the black bezel quite well.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)