Apple is reportedly pushing its display suppliers to accelerate the development of advanced OLED technology for future iPhone models. The goal is to implement 4-side bending OLED panels by 2028. This shift aims to reduce visual distortion at the curved edges of the screens. The technology relies on a new transparent electrode material known as IZO, or Indium Zinc Oxide.
LG Display commits $770 million to infrastructure while Samsung considers expansion
LG Display appears to be moving faster in this development race. The company is investing 1.106 trillion won, which is approximately 770 million dollars, into new OLED infrastructure. This investment supports the production of panels using IZO cathodes. Samsung Display is also involved but is taking a more cautious approach. The South Korean manufacturer is weighing whether to spend money on new factory lines due to space constraints in its existing facilities.
Apple is pressuring these suppliers to speed up their development timelines. The company wants to switch to these advanced displays by 2028. However, this timeline is reported as a goal rather than a confirmed production schedule. A dedicated investment line from Samsung Display is considered more likely than immediate large-scale spending. The current status remains a subject of ongoing discussion between Apple and its key partners.
The move toward 4-side bending OLEDs represents a significant change in smartphone display manufacturing. Previous iPhone models have used flat or slightly curved screens. The new technology requires specialized sputtering equipment for the TCO layers. This hardware limitation is a primary reason for Samsung Display's hesitation to expand its current factory lines immediately.
Source: NotebookCheck
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