Is Apple Inc Trying to Copy Samsung Electronics Screen Technology

For the longest time, Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) had tried to differentiate its smartphone from its fiercest rival Samsung. But if rumors are to be believed, come 2018, the iPhone will sport an Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screen. All Samsung phones already come with an OLED screen and now it seems Apple has finally realized the superiority of an OLED screen compared to its all-time favorite LED screen.

According to a report published by Nikkei Asian Review, a Japanese business journal, Apple has been quietly getting in touch with suppliers with the intent of obtaining OLED screens. The iPhone maker has some experience with the OLED screen, as its Apple Watch is the only device in its product line-up to have one.

Industry experts had been debating when Apple will make the switch, as Samsung had been offering the superior screen to its customers since 2010. Apart from the rich visual experience provided by OLED displays, which include better contrast level and deeper blacks, it also provided improved battery life and energy depletion.

If this report has any substance then there is no doubt it will create hysteria amongst OLED suppliers and manufacturers. Given the immense popularity of the iPhone, it will be a jackpot for whoever gets Apple’s nod to be their main supplier. It has been alleged that LG Display has already started their ground work and might emerge as the chief supplier of the screens.

Interestingly, apart from LG, the only other top end maker of OLED screens is its rival Samsung. The massive global demand for the iPhone will make it tough for LG to provide screens for all units and it is believed that Apple would have to turn to Samsung to fill the difference.

While its good news for OLED manufacturers, LCD makers such as Japan Display and Sharp, who for the longest time have been making the LCD screens for the iPhone, will see a dip in their business. 30% of Japan Display’s sales are made to Apple and would see a significant drop when Apple finally makes the switch in 2018.

The latest iPhone model, the 6S, which has broken all record by selling 13 million units in just the first weekend, goes to show Apple’s dominance of the smartphone industry. It is believed Apple will make significant changes to its iPhone 7 when it comes out next September, with rumors circulating that the company will ditch its trademark home screen button to increase the screen size. Given the 2018 deadline for the OLED screen, iPhone 8 would be the first model to come with the OLED display, if Apple sticks to the same release cycle.