These panels will be supplied by LG, Sharp and Samsung

Apr 7, 2015 09:10 GMT  ·  By

Rumors about Apple’s next-gen iPhone models have already been making the rounds on the web, although they seem to be quite conflicting. At this point, we’re not exactly sure whether the Cupertino tech giant will unveil two or three iPhones this year.

There’s also controversy around the purported naming scheme for these phones, so it’s unsure if they will be from the iPhone 6s or iPhone 7 lineup. We’re still in the dark about that.

Anyway, this week brings us info about Apple’s upcoming iPad models scheduled for release in 2015. According to Asian publication ET News, LG Display has started investing in its eighth-gen P8-P9 production line for oxide TFT located in Paju.

The reason behind this move is that LG is hoping to work side by side with Apple to produce next-gen iPad models which will apparently use oxide TFT panels.

LG ramps up IGZO production ahead of new iPad models launch

At the moment, LG Display’s facilities can handle an output of 9,000 oxide TFT sheets per month, but with the investment, the numbers should be supplemented with another 21,000 units.

However, LG plans to expand further beyond, to add another 20,000 sheets in Q2 2016. An insider source familiar with the matter reveals that the display maker’s investment operation has already begun.

Since Apple is also working on iPads with 12.9-inch displays (the iPad Pro or iPad Plus model), LG needs to expand production and it will do so well into 2016.

If you’re not familiar with the terminology, oxide TFT panels are just another name for IGZO displays (the kind Sharp is producing too).

The report also mentions that Apple will be collaborating with LG, Sharp, as well as Samsung Display, to get the panels needed for its next-gen iPads.

Cupertino’s biggest rival in the mobile world already invested in production capacity and is capable of producing 20,000 sheets per month with the hope it will be able to make 60,000 by the end of 2015.

So in a few months, we’ll most likely see Apple unveil new iPad models with IGZO panels. Sources familiar with the matter also claim that future iMacs will take advantage of Oxide TFT LCDs. Maybe the rumored 8K iMac will boast this technology.

iPad Pro envisoned (6 Images)

iPad Pro concept compared to current models
iPad Pro is going to be Apple's largestiPad models stacked on top of each other
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