Apple has begun talks with South Korean panel supplier Samsung Display on the application of OLED panels in its MacBook line, South Korean media Theelecreported on November 3.
IPhone maker APPLE initially planned to launch its first MacBook with OLED panels in 2025, but that could be delayed, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter.
Apple has also been in discussions with Korean companies to incorporate OLED panels into its iPad range. Tablets with OLED panels are expected to be launched in late 2023 or 2024.
The biggest obstacle to Apple's adoption of OLED has been cost. It is trying to use a two-layer tandem structure on panels sourced from Samsung and LG.
The structure stacks two red, green and blue emission layers to double brightness and extend the life of the panels. In addition, the technology requires TFT technology as a pixel switch, which in turn means LTPO must be used.
Tablets and PCS have longer life spans than smartphones, so the use of LTPO technology is considered essential.
Current OLED panels in smartphones have a single stacked structure with a single red, green and blue emitting layer.
Doubling the launch layer doubles the cost of the material. The TFT also needs to support fast electron motion. This means cryogenic polycrystalline oxides (LTPO) will be used, but the technology requires 15 to 16 masks during production, which further increases the cost.
For low temperature polysilicon (LTPS), 11 masks are used, while about 7 masks are used for conventional oxide TFT
Apple plans to use the dual-layer tandem LTPOTFT on its first OLED ipads in 12.9 "and 11" sizes.
However, Apple plans to use oxide TFT instead of TFT for other IT products after the first OLED iPad with OLED panels to save costs as they require fewer masks during production.
Using oxide TFT will save money, but in order to support high resolution panels, protective circuits need to be added to the modules. This could be another cost issue, and panels could be more prone to overheating.
Apple is still considering options for OLED panels, which will work with macBooks and other IT products beyond smartphones and tablets, people familiar with the matter said.
Samsung Display is currently supplying LTPO TFT OLED panels for the iPhone13Pro model, while LG Display is supplying LTPO TFT OLED panels for the Apple Watch and plans to supply the iPhone next year.
The final decision Apple makes for its OLED panel roadmap will influence the next decisions Samsung Display and LG Display make on device investments.
Samsung Display currently produces OLED panels for tablets and laptops on its A2 line, which uses a single-layer structure and LTPSTFT.
If Apple decides to use oxide or LTPOTFT or double-layer series viscous material in OLED panels for its IT products, Samsung Display will need to build a new production line to accommodate this situation.
LG Display can make OLED panels for tablets and PCS, but its capacity is currently very small.
However, it is developing OLED panels that Apple plans to use on its 12.9-inch and 11-inch OLED ipads.
Samsung Display is also involved in a similar project with Apple to develop panels. Its previous project with Apple to develop a 10.86-inch OLED iPad was canceled.
