Apple Planning to Debut OLED iPhone in 2017

Apple is reportedly aiming to push up the debut of the OLED iPhone to 2017, reports Nikkei (via AppleInsider). The move would see Apple make the switch to OLED a year earlier than previously estimated.

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In December, Apple contacted LG and Samsung about the potential to ramp up OLED production in time for the 2017 iPhone. However, the OLED technology would likely be limited to a higher-end iPhone like the 7 Plus or the rumored iPhone Pro due to possible supply constraints.

Apple, who is reportedly close to a deal with Samsung for flexible OLEDs, has been interested in using curved OLED displays in future iPhones, but Nikkei notes that Apple's accelerated development may leave those plans temporarily stalled. Apple is apparently looking to quickly switch to OLED displays to juice iPhone sales, which analysts expect to stall.

In November, Nikkei reported that Apple expected to switch to OLED displays in 2018. Apple supplier Japan Display is planning for mass production of OLED displays for iPhones beginning in early 2018. Samsung and LG, however, are expected to provide the bulk of the OLED panel production, with Samsung planning to ramp up OLED production to 45,000 panels per month this year. The ever-reliable KGI Securities Ming-Chi Kuo reported in November that Apple was unlikely to fully adopt OLED displays until 2019.

Tag: OLED
Related Forum: iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

\-V-/ Avatar
128 months ago
nah, i'll wait until 2018
You could be hit by a bus by then. Enjoy things while you can!
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
OldSchoolMacGuy Avatar
128 months ago
OLED tech came out 4 years ago. Always behind the times.
iPhone wasn't the first smartphone.
iPod wasn't the first MP3 player.
iPad wasn't the first tablet.
Google wasn't the first search engine.
Facebook wasn't the first social network.
Ford wasn't the first automobile.

It's not about being first. It's about doing it in a better way than the others.
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kc7gnm Avatar
128 months ago
I have never had a problem with the iPhone display. The display isn't a factor for me to purchase a phone. The OS is and iOS is superior to android.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Fozziebear71 Avatar
128 months ago
Every OLED display phone I have seen reminds me of the TV displays in electronics stores where they crank up the colors and contrast to make it look good in the store but give you a headache if you actually take it home and watch it that way. I actually think the display on my 6Plus is very good.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CFreymarc Avatar
128 months ago
Get ready for the $1950 unlocked iPhone Pro!
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Gaprofitt Avatar
128 months ago
Just get the Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge now, why wait?
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)