New in OS X: Get MacRumors Push Notifications on your Mac

Resubscribe Now Close

Apple Adopting OLED Displays for All Three 2019 iPhones

Monday May 28, 2018 8:43 pm PDT by Eric Slivka
As Apple continues its shift from LCD to OLED technology for its iPhones, reports have indicated that two out of the three iPhone models planned for launch around the usual September timeframe this year will offer OLED displays – a second-generation iPhone X and a larger "iPhone X Plus." The lowest-cost option is said to be a new 6.1-inch model with a similar full-face display as seen on the iPhone X, but it will reportedly be an LCD rather than OLED display.

Apple's iPhone X promotional video highlighting flexible OLED display

Previous rumors have suggested Apple will complete its transition to OLED in 2019, with all models adopting the technology. A new report from South Korea's ET News is now adding its voice to the claim [Google Translate] based on information from its sources.
"Apple recently started planning the iPhone model in 2019 and decided to adopt OLED in all three types," said an official from Apple who said, "The OLED used in the iPhone X (TEN) is a low temperature polysilicon (LTPS) LCD Quality, performance, and so on. "

Another official said, "Apple has decided to put all the OLED on the new iPhone model in 2019." If the new model is more than three kinds, the LCD model may be maintained. However.
While this isn't the first time we've heard this rumor and it does make sense based on Apple's trajectory, it appears the financial markets are taking this specific rumor fairly seriously. Reuters notes that shares of Japan Display fell as much as 20 percent today on the news (though they have recovered somewhat and are now down 10 percent), while Bloomberg points out that Sharp's shares fell 4 percent.

Japan Display is currently an LCD display supplier for the iPhone, and while it is moving to develop OLED technology, it will only just be starting up in 2019. That timing and lack of experience will make it difficult for Japan Display to compete against Samsung and other OLED vendors that are further along with the technology.

Samsung is currently the sole OLED display supplier for the iPhone X, but Apple has reportedly invested billions of dollars to help LG get up and running with the technology, and LG has been rumored to be the supplier for this year's "iPhone X Plus."

Related Roundup: iPhone 11
Buyer's Guide: iPhone 11 (Buy Now)
[ 116 comments ]

Top Rated Comments

(View all)

Avatar
AngerDanger
18 months ago

This is how you know Steve Jobs's legacy is dead: there is no way he would have approved of this.

Actually, Steve would've been fine with this. I checked the book and everything.



Page 334: "…furthermore, were my beloved Apple to remove the headphone jack from iPhones or add an unsightly notch, I'd wholeheartedly approve."

EDIT: Feel free to use this image in response to cliché comments like this. It is my gift to you.

Rating: 78 Votes
Avatar
tubeexperience
18 months ago

Actually, Steve would've been fine with this. It says so on the 394th page of Steve's What I Would've Done: The Guide That Gives Every MacRumors User the Ability to Read my Mind Posthumously.

"…furthermore, were my beloved Apple to remove the headphone jack from iPhones or add an unsightly notch, I'd wholeheartedly approve."


This is what he would say about Apple today:

[MEDIA=youtube]_1rXqD6M614[/MEDIA]
Rating: 20 Votes
Avatar
farewelwilliams
18 months ago

Is Apple going to get rid of the hideous notch?

no. probably should get over it, since it's here to stay. just like not having a headphone jack.
Rating: 12 Votes
Avatar
aleni
18 months ago
For the love of God. Please make the new SE full screen like the X. I’d pay $1000 for that little beauty! Who’s with me!?
Rating: 11 Votes
Avatar
fullauto
18 months ago

This is how you know Steve Jobs's legacy is dead: there is no way he would have approved of this.


But you can’t really say that for sure. Steve could have sold the hell out of it and made us all think ‘it’s the future’ and ‘the way forward’. In which case everyone would love the notch because Steve said so.
Rating: 11 Votes
Avatar
tubeexperience
18 months ago
Is Apple going to get rid of the hideous notch?
Rating: 11 Votes
Avatar
eatrains
18 months ago

This is how you know Steve Jobs's legacy is dead: there is no way he would have approved of this.


Steve approved the G4 Cube, the puck mouse, the iPod Hi-Fi, Ping, the button-less iPod shuffle, iTools, .Mac, MobileMe, the iMac with no ports, the MacBook Air with no disc drive...
Rating: 8 Votes
Avatar
tubeexperience
18 months ago

no. probably should get over it, since it's here to stay. just like not having a headphone jack.


This is how you know Steve Jobs's legacy is dead: there is no way he would have approved of this.
Rating: 8 Votes
Avatar
BvizioN
18 months ago

Is Apple going to get rid of the hideous notch?


This notch thing is becoming the new "antenna bands" on the back of the older iPhones. I swear some people would never ever be satisfied no matter what and they will always find something to complain about. I just can't imagine how the notch does bother me. If they get rid of it, still fine but for me honestly does not make that much difference.
Rating: 7 Votes
Avatar
yadmonkey
18 months ago

I hope not. notch is great.


Right, Apple has finally delivered us from the scourge of screen symmetry.
Rating: 6 Votes

[ Read All Comments ]