The recent OLED iPad screen report speculates that Apple will use a new type of display. This suggests that the OLED iPad will feature an advanced new dual-layer design, with reports that Apple display suppliers Samsung and LG are both working on plans to produce new panels.
Talking about Apple's display roadmap last year:
- IPS LCD with traditional backlight: This is still used on older Macs and cheaper iPhones.
- IPS LCD with miniLED backlight: Apple switched to this panel for the iPad Pro models, and the new MacBook Pro currently uses it as well. Allows for deeper blacks and brighter whites with amazing contrast differences.
- OLED: Apple first adopted this panel in the Apple Watch before introducing it to the iPhone, starting with the iPhone X. Apple has not yet used this panel in an iPad or MacBook, but it is expected to do so sometime between 2023 and 2026.
- MicroLED: Despite the similar name to miniLED, this is a completely different technology. It's actually a more sophisticated OLED version. Brighter saves power and doesn't suffer from burn-in. Apple's interest in microLED dates back to at least 2014, and while there have been some signs of progress, the technology is still in a very early stage of development. Like OLED, it's likely to appear on the Apple Watch first, followed by the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Apple is expected to unveil at least one new iPad model this year likely at an October event but those models are not expected to include OLED models.
Early hybrid screen reports
A supply chain report last week said Apple is expected to use a hybrid glass-polyamide film display on its first OLED iPad. The flexible polyamide film provides the flexibility needed by the small bezels of current iPhone models, as well as other advantages over glass. It's easier to use, cheaper to produce, and lighter. It does run a small risk of "warping", but it's too small to be seen with the naked eye.
The problem arises when extending it to the larger panel used on the iPad. Warpage will become apparent, so Apple is expected to opt for a hybrid panel that uses a mix of glass and film substrates.
Dual Layer OLED iPad Screen
Today's report, also from The Elec, says the company will also use advanced new OLED technology that Samsung and LG are developing. Called a "dual-stacked tandem OLED," it uses two layers of pixels instead of one.
“Apple is expected to launch its first OLED iPad in 2024 with a two-layer tandem OLED panel […] A single-layer OLED means that there is one red, green, and blue emitting layer, while a two-layer tandem OLED means that there is one more layer. Stacking two RGB emissive layers in series increases screen brightness while extending its lifespan, making the technology more suitable for tablets and PCs that will last longer than smartphones. "
This technology is compatible with hybrid panels. Like miniLED, this technology will first appear on the iPad Pro model. However, this year's new iPad Pros are expected to continue to use IPS LCD screens with miniLED backlighting.
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