Apple is developing thinner OLED panels that could be destined for use for foldable displays in the future, says a new report by Korean publication The Elec.
The report says that Apple is developing OLED panels without polarizers, which are typically included to allow only lights in certain directions to pass through, thereby improving the visibility of the display.
Polarizer films tend to reduce brightness and, in turn, the luminance efficiency of the panel. To offset this issue, manufacturers will usually increase the power consumption delivered to the panel. However, this can reduce their lifespan.
Apple’s removal of the polarizer will allow the company to make the panels significantly thinner, making them a more optimal solution for manufacturing foldable panels, says the report. Apple could also apply other technologies with an equivalent effect to that of a polarizer but which avoids the previously mentioned trade-offs.
Samsung uses OLED panels without polarizers for the Galaxy Z Fold 3, according to The Elec report, which incorporates its “Eco Square” technology to increase light transmittance while reducing power consumption.
Multiple reports have indicated that Apple is working on foldable displays for multiple uses. Recently, display analyst Ross Young said that Apple is looking at all-screen foldable notebooks with displays around 20-inches in size. The analyst says it could result in a dual-use product, working as both a notebook and a monitor.