Apple's switch to OLED for iPhones results in apparent display-supplier woes

2017 went down in history as the first year in which Apple released an iPhone with an AMOLED display, rather than its classic Retina LCD. This well-received model (the X) was quickly followed up by 2 high-end successors with OLED panels. However, the company also hedged its bets with a slightly more budget option - the XR - which had a lower-resolution LCD screen.

However, it seems that this decision has served only to drive the message that Apple fans were starting to enjoy the brave new OLED era home. The iPhone XR's shipment estimates and supply requests have failed to display consistent growth over time. This situation may have had a knock-on effect on Apple's usual LCD supplier, Japan Display. The Wall Street Journal has reported that this firm has soliticed additonal investment into its business from other groups from Taiwan and China.

Japan Display may have to part with approximately 30% of the control over its company in order to gain this capital. Its new potential stakeholders may also retain the option to acquire even more of this influence in the future. In addition, the same panel suppliers had reportedly had plans to produce OLED panels in the future. This move may corroborate other rumors concerning Apple's plans to discontinue the iPhone XR line by 2020; in other words, it may indicate that Apple's interest in LCD technology is running out fast.

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