We have already read rumors that Apple wants to give certain models of the iPhone 2021 series a power-saving display technology with 120Hz support. Now there are more details.
Now The Elec has a new report published, which confirms previous rumors. According to the report, Apple plans to use LTPO displays in the 2021 iPhone this year. The panels enable a higher refresh rate and lower power consumption. According to The Elec's sources, Samsung Display will switch its range of OLED displays to LTPO, which are expected to be delivered to Apple later this year. Samsung is currently Apple's main supplier of OLED screens used in iPhones. This means that the Korean company meets Apple's previous requirements and can adjust production without any losses.
LTPO displays work more efficiently than regular OLED displays
According to market research firm UBI Research, Samsung Display will transform its OLED lineup, intended for its largest customer Apple, into a lineup that produces thin-film transistors (TFTs) from low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) within the first half of 2021.
LTPO displays are known to consume less power than a regular OLED display. This is said to be the main reason why Apple is already using this technology in the Apple Watch. LTPO also supports variable refresh rates of up to 120 Hz - a feature that many users have been waiting for. The report mentions that Samsung will complete the conversion of its OLED display production to LTPO in the first half of 2021. At the moment, Samsung Display can guarantee 30,000 LTPO OLED display substrates per month for Apple, which is a lower number compared to regular display production.
120Hz support only for Pro models?
Samsung Display completed the conversion from A3 to Y-Octa last year. Once the entire conversion to LTPO TFT is completed in the first half of 2021, the line's production capacity will drop to 70,000 substrates per month from the current 105,000.
Earlier this month, renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated that Apple will integrate this new display technology into the higher-end models - the iPhone Pro devices. The analyst also believes that the new iPhones will feature significant camera improvements and will retain the Lightning connector. (Photo by Denys Prykhodov / Bigstockphoto)
