14 DAY TRIAL // Samsung Display has reportedly signed a new deal with Apple to supply an additional 60 million units of organic light-emitting diode panels (OLED) for the next-generation iPhone. Apple has long been rumored to feature Samsung OLED displays on the upcoming iPhone and the latest report from The Investor says Apple wants more such panels from the South Korean company.
Last year, Samsung signed a deal with Apple for supplying 100 million OLED display panels for the upcoming iPhone 8, expected to be announced in September 2017. Samsung incorporated OLED displays in almost 70% of all smartphones, especially flagship series.
With the last year’s iPhone 7, Apple incorporated an LCD display and it seems that the company is making a move towards OLED. For previous iPhone models, Apple contracted LG Display, Sharp and Japan Display to supply LCD screens.
LG Display is Apple’s secondary supplier of OLED screens
Apple sells approximately 200 million iPhones per year, which would mean that the combined 160 million units of OLED panels will make up almost 80% of all sales, according to the report. Previous rumors say that Apple will release up to three iPhone variants this year, while only the premium model could have an OLED display.
However, considering that Apple upped panel supply, OLED adoption could be expanded to more than one model. Recent reports say that Samsung Display will start production of OLED panels for Apple at the end of this quarter.
Samsung’s Display division holds 90% of the OLED market, while LG Display is said to have increased OLED production in order to meet Apple’s demand of OLED displays.
Aside from an OLED display, the upcoming iPhone 8 is also expected to feature an iris scanner and wireless charging capabilities. The phone could cost more than $1,000, considering that it’s rumored to feature major design changes and premium materials. It’s also said to come with a dual-camera setup on the back.