Samsung to supply OLED display for future iPhones? - Here's what we gather so far
January 02, 2016
The Rumour of Samsung OLED supply to Apple
We have seen the rumors all over internet that Samsung and Apple proceeded into talks about the former supplying the latter with OLED display panels for future iPhones. One thing for sure is that there is no official agreement to that, but what’s the probability?
Interesting to know. Some particular information leaking from Korean manufacturer is that it did increase its OLED panel production in order to be able to meet the greater demand. If that really is taking the place, there will be no surprise if Samsung can build an entirely new facility with the sole purpose of supplying to Apple.
Who’s financing is the next question. Well, why not Apple itself? That’s one option right there.
One fact that is officially known so far is that right now Samsung is in the process of selling a considerable share of its LCD manufacturing equipment to a Chinese company. Based on this very data we can fairly assume that the earnings from that might be easily directed into increasing OLED panel production.
We all know, it is Samsung that is producing OLED panels for the Apple Watch, wouldn’t then OLED for iPhones be just a step forward in their cooperation? Seems highly reasonable to us.
What does Apple itself have to say about such a rumor wondering around? One trustworthy piece of information we got is the following. Apple analyst Ming Chi-Kuo reported to Apple investors on November 10 that no matter how far the rumors go, it is not in their plan to adopt AMOLED display for iPhones for at least the next three years.
Kuo claims that the biggest reason for the gossip to appear in the first place is that Apple Watch features an AMOLED screen.
“Based on recent comments by Minebea, one of the main iPhone backlight unit suppliers, we believe AMOLED will not penetrate iPhone for the next three years. Moreover, Hon Hai is preparing to invest in Gen-6 LTPS TFT-LCD production lines in Zhengzhou, China for mass production in 2018, suggesting the iPhone line will likely stick with TFT-LCD technology in 2018 and thereafter.”
That information appears to be trustworthy enough, you agree? But then the next question arises – what is that reason why Samsung sells out a big share of its LCD manufacturing equipment? We’ll keep investigating and get back to you as soon as we find some highlights on the topic.