Apple looking to bypass Samsung as a display supplier with its own MicroLED tech

Apple is hard at work developing its own display technology for future iPhones, according to a new report. The new MicroLED technology is said to be superior to OLED display tech, and will also help it reduce its reliance on fierce rival Samsung, which currently supplies the OLED panels fitted to the iPhone X. 

It is not the first time reports have surfaced of Apple’s interest in MicroLED technology. The company has filed patents on the tech in the past, but it appears that it is inching towards being able to work with a manufacturer to mass produce it in the next two to three years. It said to be in the process of manufacturing prototype MicroLED panels at this stage, which offer advantages over LCD and OLED displays by being thinner, brighter and more efficient. MicroLED is similar to OLED, but uses different materials and compounds.

In the short term, however, Apple will continue using Samsung displays in its high-end iPhone line. It is also investing heavily in LG Display to help put it in a position to manufacture OLED displays for the rumoured 6.5-inch iPhone Xs Plus slated for a late September launch. The cost of producing OLED displays remains high, however, and has been mooted as a reason the next LG G7 (or its equivalent), will feature an LCD panel.

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