Apple Could Adopt Hybrid OLED Technology for Future iPads

Apple's rumored plans to transition to OLED technology for future iPad models could involve using "hybrid" OLED technology that combines both rigid and flexible OLED panel materials, according to The Elec (original Korean-language version).

OLED iPad Air
The report claims that Apple is reluctant to rely solely on the flexible OLED technology it uses in its iPhone models, as the panels have a tendency to "crumple" and the effect is more noticeable as displays get larger.

From a machine translation of the original Korean-language report:

When it became known that Apple plans to apply hybrid OLED to the first OLED iPad, the industry has assumed that the cause was cost reduction.

However, it is understood that there is a reason why Apple preferred hybrid OLED other than this cost reduction. An official from the parts industry said, "Apple hated the fact that a part of the product screen could look wrinkled to the user's eyes when using a flexible OLED." He said, "iPhone OLED has a 5-7 inch screen, so these characteristics are not well revealed, but it is relatively noticeable in large-screen (10-20 inch) IT products. he explained.

While the hybrid OLED technology has yet to be perfected and will take at least a year to become commercially viable before it could be incorporated into an OLED ‌iPad‌ by around 2024, the report says both Samsung and LG are pursuing ultra-thin glass substrates measuring just 0.2 mm thick to be used with the technology, down from the current standard of around 0.5 mm.

flexible rigid hybrid oled chartOLED technology comparison table via Omdia

The report does say that Apple may still elect to use flexible OLED panels in ‌iPad‌ models if the shortcomings can be addressed, but at least for now, it appears hybrid panels may be a better option as they are thinner than rigid panels and cheaper than flexible panels.

Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Buyer's Guide: iPad Pro (Neutral)

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Top Rated Comments

Populus Avatar
32 months ago
Do you think this panels will still suffer from flickering at lower brightness caused by PWM?

Just to avoid that, I’m willing to get the M2 iPad Pro, probably the last iPad with a regular LED display.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
EugW Avatar
32 months ago
I'm in. My next iPad Pro/Air will have OLED. In the meantime I'll continue to use my 2017 iPad Pro.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
EvilEvil Avatar
32 months ago
OLED iPad Pro yes, please. I want to complete my OLED collection (iPhone 12, 55" LG CX TV, Nintendo Switch)
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
xpxp2002 Avatar
32 months ago
As long as PWM is in use, no thanks.

Apple’s LCDs look great, don’t burn in, don’t cause headaches, and cost less. It’s a no brainer to stick with the better technology.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Canubis Avatar
32 months ago
Honest question: if wrinkling becomes an issue mostly for larger displays like iPads, how come this is not an issue for tvs? Doesn’t Samsung et al use it on their 50+ inch tvs already?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
syklee26 Avatar
32 months ago
Better displays are always welcome, but iPad needs better OS and software most.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)