According to earlier reports, the next generation of iPhones will rely on a new display technology that enables thinner and more energy-efficient screens overall. This is said to be produced solely by Samsung - but that could be wrong.
Until now, observers have believed that Samsung alone will supply the new panels for the iPhone 2020 Pro lineup, but a report published today has now brought LG into the picture. The Korean website The Elec claims to have learned that LG is upgrading its production facilities to enable the manufacture of Gen-6 OLED panels for Apple's iPhone 2020. Furthermore, the displays in question are said to be equipped with touch-integrated technology and an LTPO backplane, which was first used in the Apple Watch Series 4. The touch-integrated display is based on Samsung's Y-OCTA technology. The special feature is that it allows the touch sensor to be integrated directly into the OLED panel, completely eliminating the need for an additional layer for the component. LG apparently refers to this technology as TOC Cell and plans to use it in the next iPhone display, according to The Elec. The combination of TOC Cell (Y-OCTA) and LTPO could mean that the next iPhone series will have displays that are thinner in form factor and significantly more energy efficient.
But what exactly does it all mean?
Today's rumor contradicts earlier reports that Samsung is the exclusive Y-OCTA supplier. According to these reports, Samsung would exclusively manufacture the panels for the 5.4-inch and 6.7-inch models - the 6.1-inch device will receive the old LCD technology from LG. If today's report from The Elec is correct, Samsung will either receive support from LG for the production of its Y-OCTA panels or the cheaper 6.1-inch iPhone will also have the new screen technology. (Photo by Eremin / Bigstockphoto)