Apple Could Adopt Hybrid OLED Technology for Future iPads

[MacRumors]

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).

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.

OLED 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.

Article Link: Apple Could Adopt Hybrid OLED Technology for Future iPads

 

[EugW]

I'm in. My next iPad Pro/Air will have OLED. In the meantime I'll continue to use my 2017 iPad Pro.

 

[g000]

oh boy and probably much easier for the glass to crack

 

[GMShadow]

Stop trying to make OLED iPads happen.

 

[MiloCody]

Just having OLED would be a great start. Maybe the start of the foldable iPad Pro.

 

[EugW]

Just having OLED would be a great start. Maybe the start of the foldable iPad Pro.

I'm guessing not if it's using hybrid OLED.

Anyhow, at this point I just want OLED. 2024 would be fine by me. And I can wait another 5 years after the introduction of an OLED iPad Pro/Air for a decent foldable OLED iPad Pro/Air.

 

[Canubis]

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?

 

[EvilEvil]

OLED iPad Pro yes, please. I want to complete my OLED collection (iPhone 12, 55" LG CX TV, Nintendo Switch)

 

[cuiver]

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?

Of course, you can find foldable TVs with zero issues of screen uniformity using a flexible substrate. The issue here may be the inconsistent rigidity at the thinness that Apple wants to target (less than 1mm), whereas on TVs it may be much thicker thus allowing for a more linear and plane presentation of the optics.

 

[xpxp2002]

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.

 

[svish]

I think the Pro models should be getting OLED. The 11" Pro might not be getting mini LED in between.

 

[Populus]

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.

 

[syklee26]

Better displays are always welcome, but iPad needs better OS and software most.

 

[livo34]

My next Monitor with either be Samsung's M8 or a 43" OLED with HDMI 2.1. I'll be buying a new iMac when they start supporting HDMI 2.1 with 120Hz refresh.

 

[kalafalas]

An OLED iPad is a dream come true, but I’ll believe it when I see it

 

[inhalexhale1]

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.

Apple uses PWM in their LCD displays as well.

 

[caribbeanblue]

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

 

[inhalexhale1]

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.

The current Mini-Led iPad uses PWM.

 

[coolfactor]

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?

Maybe something to do with the interaction? Constantly pressing on a flexible layer could move things around. Not many people touch their TV screens.

 

[Beautyspin]

Of course, you can find foldable TVs with zero issues of screen uniformity using a flexible substrate. The issue here may be the inconsistent rigidity at the thinness that Apple wants to target (less than 1mm), whereas on TVs it may be much thicker thus allowing for a more linear and plane presentation of the optics.

How is Samsung managing a 14.6 screen in Samsung Utra Tab S8 using Super Amoled?

 

[Eldaerenth Faexidor]

Whatever screen tech Apple will come up with, I’m pretty sure it’ll be pretty epic. Can’t wait to buy an OLED iPad Pro.

 

[orbital~debris]

So this could be the likely reason the rumours moved away from “OLED iPad is coming soon!” to “…sometime possibly later” as Apple pivoted to mini-LED.

Good to read that Apple are focussed on the user experience, and know their exacting customers well 🧐🔬😉!

 

[Fandroid killer]

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).

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: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.

OLED 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.

Article Link: Apple Could Adopt Hybrid OLED Technology for Future iPads

Hybrid OLED? What in the marketing scam is that? They should skip oled and just wait for microLED. 2023 is when we should start seeing mass production

 

[krspkbl]

as long as it is oled i dont care. im not buying another ipad until there is an oled option. i refuse to use those mini led ipads. they are awful and i cant wait for apple to ditch them.

 

[kiranmk2]

Hybrid OLED? What in the marketing scam is that? They should skip oled and just wait for microLED. 2023 is when we should start seeing mass production

Good luck waiting on that date - 2028 is more likely for anything larger than a phone display...