Apple to sign in Samsung and LG in move to swap OLED for microLED

Apple will start using microLED panels as early as 2024, reveals The Korea Herald. This is the third time we hear such a move is on the way from a third different outlet, suggesting the switch is innevitable.

According to a report by the Institute for Information & Communications Technology Promotion (IITP), Apple is looking to eventually manufacture the panels itself, but it won’t be ready to do so at the start of the transition. That’s why it will keep sourcing panels from South Korea, with at least 60% of the orders going to Samsung Display and LG Display.

The transition from organic light-emiting diode to micro light-emitting diode display technology will begin in 2024 with the Apple Watch Ultra. Once the panels mature and yields and pricing improve, we will see iPhones with microLED screens. However, IITP reminded us that this will happen no earlier than 2025.

The report also mentioned the fact that Apple’s push for chip independence with the M1 processor in MacBooks could weaken the market dominance of Intel, Qualcomm, and Broadcom while empowering foundries such as TSMC and Samsung Semiconductor. The Taiwanese manufacturer might have the edge in that battle as it is expanding a factory in Arizona that will be ready next year.