Apple may release an iPad that sports an OLED display manufactured by Samsung in 2024, says a report from The Elec. Samsung is reportedly developing the required hardware to create the OLED panels, but Apple will be required to make a big enough order to make the project worth doing.
The Elec report says Apple and Samsung had been working jointly to manufacture a 10.86-inch OLED panel during 2021, but that the project halted in the third quarter. Apple wanted panels with a “two stack tandem structure,” but Samsung was not able to manufacture enough of the panels at the right price.
However, if Apple can place a “large enough order,” Samsung will be able to finalize its second quarter 2022 plans, ordering the required equipment during the third quarter of 2022. The equipment would be delivered in 2023, with Samsung manufacturing the OLED panel for a 2024 OLED iPad.
The South Korean display panel maker’s development of a vertical deposition machine, in collaboration with Japan’s Ulvac, for use in Gen 8.5 IT OLED panel that started last year was ongoing as of January 2022, sources told TheElec.
The equipment, along with fine metal masks (FMM) used to deposit organic materials precisely on the substrate, is a key technology needed to commercialize Gen 8.5 IT OLED panels.
While Samsung requires Apple to order a substantial number of OLED panels to make it worth it for the South Korean manufacturer, Apple could also work with another display provider to meet its needs.
Apple is reportedly working with BOE on larger-sized OLED panels for use in iPads and Macs. Currently, Apple uses OLED displays only for the iPhone and Apple Watch.