Apple Could Release OLED iPad featuring Samsung Display Panel in 2024

According to a report from The Elec, Apple might release an iPad with Samsung’s OLED display in 2024. Samsung is creating the equipment needed to create the OLED panels Apple wants for its iPads, but Apple needs to make a large enough order to make the project financially feasible.

According to Elec, Apple and Samsung were working together to create a 10.86-inch OLED display in 2021, but development was halted in the third quarter. Apple requested panels with a “two stack tandem structure,” but Samsung was unable to manufacture enough panels at a reasonable price to meet Apple’s request.

In the second collaboration, if Apple places a “large enough order,” Samsung can finalize its spending plans during the second quarter of 2022, ordering the necessary equipment in the third quarter. Samsung will receive the equipment in 2023 for manufacturing displays destined for an OLED iPad in 2024.

According to the report, Samsung is trying to expand its Gen 8.5 IT OLED panels to offer the technology Apple wants at the price Apple wants, but it needs new machinery and Apple’s approval for that. Samsung’s Gen 5.5 panels are considered to be the most advanced. 

Gen 5 and Gen 6 substrates make the panels too expensive since not enough units are cut out per substrate.and Gen 6 substrates make the panels too expensive because there are not enough units cut out per substrate.

According to TheElec sources, development of the vertical deposition machine, which started last year in collaboration with Japan’s Ulvac, for use in Gen 8.5 IT OLED panels was still underway in January 2022.

To commercialize Gen 8.5 IT OLED panels, equipment and fine metal masks (FMM) are needed.

Apple’s decision to launch an OLED iPad in 2024 may depend on whether it orders a substantial number of OLED display panels from Samsung, but it may also use panels from another supplier.

According to recent rumours, BOE’s recently converted factory can produce OLED displays up to 15 inches in size. Apple, meanwhile, is said to be working with BOE on larger-sized OLED panels for Macs and iPads.

Apple currently uses OLED displays for its iPhones and Apple Watches, while its Macs and iPads use LCD and mini-LED displays. The rumors about Apple’s interest in OLED panels for devices like Macs and iPads continue, but the technology may still be a few years away due to OLED’s high cost.