Next Generation 5.4-inch and 6.7-inch iPhones to Use On-Cell Touch OLED Panels From Samsung [Report]

Apple's next generation iPhones are all expected to feature OLED displays; however, the 5.4-inch and 6.7-inch models will use on-cell touch OLED panels from Samsung, reports ETNews. Apple is expected to release 5.4-inch, 6.1-inch, and 6.7-inch iPhone models next year.

It is understood that Samsung Display will be the sole supplier of 5.4-inch and 6.7-inch OLED panels. Specifically, it will supply on-cell touch flexible OLED panels. This panel is basically an OLED panel that has touch function built in. Touch sensor is placed on top of thin film encapsulation inside of a panel. Touch function in the past attaches a touch film on a panel. Because on-cell touch OLED panel does not require a separate film, it can lead to a thinner display and reduce production cost.

Samsung Display demonstrated successful commercialization of its OLED panel with 'Y-OCTA' technology when it supplied the panel to Samsung Electronics. This purportedly convinced Apple to use the panel for iPhone.


“Although Apple had been sticking with film touch method since its first iPhone, Samsung Display has succeeded in drawing a change from Apple by actively promoting Y-OCTA technology to Apple.” said a representative for the industry. “It is heard that Samsung Display also suggested shocking terms in order to obtain an order from Apple.”

The 6.1-inch OLED panel will continue to use the film touch method. Both Samsung and LG are expected to supply those panels to Apple. LG is capable of making on-cell touch OLED panels but its technology is said to fall short of Samsung's in quality and productivity.

ETNews believes that BOE will likely be eliminated as a potential supplier of OLED displays due to slow progress in development and production yield.

Apple will likely unveil its new iPhones next fall. More details in the full report below. You can download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for updates.


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