Rumor mills have been speculating on the launch of OLED iPad models for some time but could not agree on the launch time. A new report by The Elec substantiates those claims by stating that Apple’s long-term iPhone display provider, LG Display is shifting the delicate OLED panels from its E5 facility to the Apple-focused E6 plant in preparation for the production of OLED iPad models.
LG Display was currently shifting some of its OLED production equipment at its E5 line at its plant in Gumi, South Korea to its plant in Paju, TheElec has learned.The company was transferring some of its tensioners, used in depositing OLED materials on the panel during production, to its E6-4 line at its P10 plant in Paju, sources said.
LG Display is likely doing so in preparation for the production OLED panels that Apple plans to use for future iPad models, they said.
The new report corroborates ET News’ claim that LG Display is gearing up to supply advanced display panels to Apple for future OLED iPad models at its Paju plant in South Korea.
LG Display likely meet Apple’s specific requirements to product display panels for OLED iPad models
Currently, all iPad models are equipped with LCD display panels except for the 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro which has a mini-LED display, and OLED panels are used in Apple Watch and iPhone models (iPhone X and later models). To offer higher quality, the tech giant is reportedly planning to replace LCD panels with OLED panels in the iPad lineup.
However, it was reported that Apple dropped the plans to upgrade iPad’s display because it needs a two-stack tandem OLED structure which its major supplier, Samsung was not willing to invest in.
Based on that information, we are assuming that LG Display fulfilled Apple’s requirement for a two-stack OLED panel for future iPad models expected to launch in 2023 – 2024. The report also notes that LG Display is gradually expanding its production capacity to accommodate Apple’s larger orders and over-take Samsung’s share of Apple’s business.
The plant already houses E6-1 and E6-2 lines that manufacture OLED panels for iPhones. LG Display is building another line, E6-3, to do the same. All three lines are for flexible OLED panels, while E6-4 line is planning to manufacture rigid OLED panels. Each line has a capacity of 15,000 Gen 6 substrates per month.
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