The Elec reports that LG Display has won orders of low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) thin-film transistor (TFT) OLED panels for Apple’s next-generation 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max model, for the first time. However, LG will be sharing iPhone 14 Pro Max display order with Samsung.
This year, LG announced the shutdown of its global mobile business unit (manufacturing and sales) after suffering heavy financial losses. The company said that its new business strategy is to focus its resources on the growth of electric vehicle components, connected devices, smart homes, robotics, artificial intelligence, and business-to-business solutions, as well as platforms and services.
And as a display supplier, LG has been in competition with BOE and Samsung for the tech giant’s business. Reportedly, the South Korean manufacturer is even expanding its production of small and medium-sized OLED display panels to meet Apple’s high demand. Therefore, this new order to produce LTPO (TFT) OLED display for iPhone 14 Pro Max is a major jump for LG.
LG to provide punch-hole display LTPO OLED panels for iPhone 14 Pro Max
Although LG took part in the development of LTPO OLED panels for iPhone 13, the company failed to secure orders from Apple and Samsung was the major display supplier for iPhone 13 Pro models. Therefore, with LG playing a more prominent role in Apple’s supply chain, the Cupertino tech giant might be able to reduce its dependence on Samsung.
In 2022, LG Display will also be supplying some of the LTPO (TFT) OLED panels used by Apple for the 6.68-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max. Still, Samsung Display will be supplying more units of LTPO (TFT) OLED panels used in the Pro Max model, while it will be the sole supplier of LTPO (TFT) OLED panels used in the 6.06-inch iPhone 14 Pro.
More importantly, the report reconfirms the rumors that iPhone 14 Pro models will come with a punch-hole display.
The addition of LG Display as a supplier of LTPO TFT OLED is an advantage Apple can use to reduce reliance on Samsung Display and to get leverage in price negotiations. LG Display will also be supplying the LTPO TFT OLED panels with hole-in display technology, where there is a hole at the top side of the panel for the front camera.
Starting with the iPhone X series, Apple increased the screen real-estate by featuring thinner bezels and introducing the notch that houses FaceID, selfie camera, and other components. However, the notch is an irritant for some users, especially in landscape mode.
Therefore, with advancements in display technology, it is speculated that the 2022 Pro models will come with a punch-hole display.
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