iPhone fans will have to wait until 2018 at the earliest, but it looks more and more certain that at least some of Apple’s future iPhones will be equipped with AMOLED displays instead of LCDs. A new report says that Japan Display is also preparing to make OLED displays for Apple starting in 2018 – therefore the iPhone 7 is likely going to have an LCD screen, just like all the models that preceded it.
Previous rumors from various sources said that Samsung is trying to score Apple orders for iPhone OLED displays, with LG having recently announced plans to expand OLED production, also likely in anticipation of an OLED iPhone.
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Apple, meanwhile, is far from confirming anything on the matter although it’s worth noting that the company used on OLED display on the Apple Watch. Apple design guru Jony Ive praised the screen of the smartwatch while simultaneously saying the iPhone’s LCD screen feels dated.
Japanese site Nikkan says that JDI will build an OLED screen production line in Japan next year, with a prototype line being put in place as soon as spring 2016. Mass production of OLED displays should start in 2018 when Apple is expected to introduce the OLED iPhone.
Previous reports also mentioned the same timetable for an OLED iPhone launch, though so far LG and Samsung were seen as the two companies that would win orders for that future iPhone model.
Competition to win OLED display orders for the iPhone might be beneficial for the entire smartphone business. LG, Samsung, JDI and others looking to secure Apple’s orders may drive down costs and convince other smartphone makers to make the switch from LCD to OLED.
