AppleInsider is supported by its audience and can earn commissions as an Amazon Associate and Affiliate on qualifying purchases. These partner relationships do not affect our editorial content.
An unusual report suggests that the iPad will get OLED in 2024, and Apple will use a method called dry etching to keep the screen as thin as possible.
According to the report, Apple will use OLED in its iPad lineup which will be lightweight and have improved image quality. It is expected that Samsung and LG Display will supply the panels.
This story comes from korean ETNews with no imputable source other than an unsubstantiated claim that “Apple confirms”. The report is a translation, so it’s conceivable that the statement “confirms” is a misreading, or that it refers to an internal Apple source. In either case, Apple does not reveal its future plans to anyone.
The publication did quote an unnamed industry official as saying in response to the alleged report that “the domestic parts and equipment industry has high hopes for the expansion of the OLED iPad market.”
It looks like Apple will use the dry OLED etching process for iPad, even if it doesn’t use it for iPhone† This is because OLED panels in the iPhone are much smaller, making the process less necessary.
If Apple uses dry etching, it will drive up the unit cost, which could translate into a more expensive iPad. The process uses chemicals to remove unnecessary parts while creating patterns for thin film transistor circuits.
ETNews also revealed that Apple is working on multiple prototypes of the OLED iPad. This means Apple is a long way from completing an OLED iPad and may never bring one to market.
other rumors refer to a 2024 release window of an OLED iPad, if one exists. However, Apple previously introduced mini LED in the 12.9-inch iPad Promaking a switch to OLED seem less realistic.