Apple is in talks with South Korean display manufacturers about implementing a new transparent electrode technology to create advanced OLED panels with curved edges on all four sides, intended for the 2028 iPhone.

Development of New OLED Displays

Currently, a display design with curves on all four edges is being developed for the anniversary iPhone model, which is expected to launch next year. For the 2028 version, Apple plans to use a new cathode material. In top-emission OLED displays used in smartphones, light passes through the cathode layer, so increasing the transparency of the electrode helps reduce distortion at the curved edges of the panel. To achieve this, the use of indium zinc oxide (IZO) cathodes is being considered.

Supplier Preparation

Apple’s key OLED display suppliers—Samsung Display and LG Display—are already preparing to transition to the new technology. LG Display is accelerating this process, recently allocating 1.106 trillion won (about $770 million) in investments for the development and subsequent mass production of this technology. This will require equipment for applying a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer with minimal damage. LG plans to initially use this equipment for research and development, and then scale up for mass production.

Samsung Display’s Production Plans

Samsung Display is considering investing in new production lines. The existing smartphone lines have space and design limitations for installing the necessary TCO deposition equipment, so it is likely that a separate production line will need to be established.

Impact on Manufacturers

Apple is aiming to speed up the adoption of the new technology, which could prompt South Korean display manufacturers to invest earlier in new factories to ensure the transition to the new OLED panels by 2028.