It has long been rumored that Apple is going to make the shift from LCD displays for the iPhone to OLED displays, and Samsung’s name has always come up in the list of potential suppliers for OLED displays. The fact remains though that ever since the iPhone came out in 2007 it has stuck with LCD displays. A new report out of South Korea claims that Samsung is now expected to start shipping OLED display panels to Apple for the iPhone by 2018.
The report from South Korea cites an unnamed Samsung Display executive who has said that Samsung is mulling a possible collaboration with Samsung over OLED displays. The official is also cited as saying that the first iPhone to feature the company’s OLED panel is likely going to debut in 2018.
The official is also cited as saying that Samsung Display is actively looking to expand its reach and work with new partners to further grow its business. Apparently it’s already in discussions with several Chinese manufacturers but those OEMs “won’t replace Apple’s brand image,” so it does make sense from a business standpoint for Samsung Display to try and win Apple’s business.
It remains to be seen though if Apple is open to the idea. So far the company has stuck with LCD displays for the iPhone, and with the 2018 timeframe provided by this report, it appears that the company is good with LCD panels for the next couple of years. Who knows, Cupertino might never change its mind.
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