Apple to adopt OLED displays for all iPhones from 2025

Apple to adopt OLED displays for all iPhones from 2025
04 Sep 2024

Apple is set to transition entirely to organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screens for all iPhone models starting in 2025, according to a report by Nikkei.

The tech giant plans to phase out liquid crystal displays (LCDs), a move that aligns with the broader industry trend favoring OLED technology.

This shift is primarily due to the superior color vibrancy and contrast offered by OLED displays, making them particularly suitable for high-definition (HD) video content.

Impact on Apple's Japanese suppliers
Supplier shift

The transition to OLED displays will significantly impact Apple's current suppliers, Sharp Corp and Japan Display.

These Japanese firms do not mass-produce OLED screens for smartphones, and have recently only supplied LCDs for the iPhone SE model.

A decade ago, these two companies held a combined 70% share of the iPhone display market.

However, their role has diminished over time due to technological advancements and shifts in consumer preferences.

Apple's new OLED suppliers
New partnerships

As part of its shift toward OLED technology, Apple has reportedly begun placing orders for these displays with China's BOE Technology and South Korea's LG Display.

This move indicates a diversification in Apple's supplier base for display technology.

The company first incorporated OLED panels into its products with the iPhone X in 2017, and has since used them in premium iPhone models, as well as the latest generation iPad Pro models launched earlier this year.