November 22, 2024

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[ET NEWS] Apple has decided to use OLED displays only for its iPhone from next year, according to multiple sources on May 28.

Sources say the California-based firm has recently started planning for next year’s iPhone lineup and is likely to adopt OLED display for all the three new models. 

Apple iPhone X

Related:
Apple likely to cut OLED iPhone production by half this year
LG Display to start first OLED shipment for iPhone from H2


“Apple has decided to use OLED only for iPhone next year. They are satisfied with the iPhone X’s OLED screen that outpaces LCD screen in terms of picture quality and functions,” an industry source told ET News on condition of anonymity.

Another source who wished to be unnamed also confirmed the plan.

“There may be the possibility of an LCD model if Apple extends the lineup. But if it sticks to the current three-model lineup, all new iPhones will come with OLED display only,” he added.

Following the debut of the iPhone X, the first OLED iPhone, last year, Apple plans to launch three new models this year -- two OLED and one LCD model. Industry watchers have predicted the two-track strategy would be maintained next year.

Apple’s ditching the LCD screen is expected to have a ripple effect within the industry. Japan’s JDI, the largest LCD supplier for iPhone, is likely to be hit hard, while another supplier LG Display is under growing pressure to beef up its smaller OLED production that is still in its nascent stage.

In the meantime, Samsung Display, the sole OLED supplier for the current iPhone, would see it as a boon since it is expected to maintain its leadership in the field for some time. Currently, the firm dominates more than 95 percent of OLED production for mobile devices.

The issue is the high price. The wider adoption of OLED could raise the phone price overall. Sources say Apple could lower the buying price of other parts like cameras and sensors by increasing order volumes rather than seeking a drastic increase in phone prices.

By Bae Ok-jin (withok@etnews.com)
This story was co-produced by ET News and The Investor.