The Elec reports that Apple display partner, LG Display is currently evaluating Gen 8.5 OLED panel disposition for Apple’s MacBook models expected to launch in 2025. The display manufacturer started the evaluation process in December 2021 and it is expected to complete in a year’s time.
In the latest 12.9-inch iPad Pro and 2021 MacBook Pro models Apple introduce the mini-LED display to offer the120Hz ProMotion refresh rate. And now rumor mills claim that Apple is looking to switch to OLED display tech in future iPad and Mac models.
LG Display to provide OLED panels for future iPad Pro and MacBook models
According to the report, for the evaluation process, LG Display is using Sunic System’s facility in Paju which is equipped with Gen 8.5 half-cut and vertical deposition equipment. Other suppliers of the LG have also provided it with the necessary material and equipment at the Paju plant for advanced OLED panels evaluation.
YAS supplied its deposition source; Hansong Neotech provided its tensioner that is used to fix the mask in place; Avaco its logistics equipment and LG Innotek provided the mask needed for the deposition process.
The South Korean manufacturer is looking to use a different deposition process for the Gen 8.5 OLED panels than its Gen 6 OLED panels. Reportedly, LG’s Gen 8.5 OLED panel will be used in future MacBook models and its Gen 6 OLED panel will be used in 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro models.
LG Display is looking to various methods for the deposition process besides the etching fine metal masks it uses for Gen 6 (1500x1850mm) OLED panels when depositing the red, green and blue organic materials. LG Innotek is providing fine metal masks and related solutions.
LG Display is aiming to supply Gen 8.5 OLED panels, which will be used for IT applications, to Apple for their first OLED MacBook, which is expected to launch around 2025.
The South Korean display panel maker is planning to use its Gen 6 OLED lines for the two OLED sporting iPads (12.9-inch and 11-inch) that are expected to debut earlier than the OLED MacBook.
An early report by display analyst Ross Young corroborates these claims of OLED iPad Pro models. Young said that 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models with OLED panels will launch by 2024.
Previously, it was reported that Samsung has begun the development of new OLED panels using the two-stack tandem structure for future iPads and Macs. That indicates a possible competition between LG and Samsung to gain Apple’s display orders.
