Apple is reportedly considering a shift to tandem OLED display technology for future iPhones. This display innovation, already used in the M4 iPad Pro, could significantly improve both brightness and power efficiency on upcoming models. The change would not only boost performance but could also help Apple meet sustainability and battery life goals.
Tandem OLED panels use a dual-stack design, meaning two layers of red, green, and blue emitters are placed on top of each other. This structure allows more light to pass through while consuming less power, resulting in higher brightness and longer lifespan. Compared to traditional single-layer OLEDs, tandem OLEDs can deliver the same luminance at lower energy levels or even higher luminance without draining the battery faster. For a device like the iPhone, where display quality and power efficiency are closely tied to user experience, this would be a meaningful upgrade.
According to supply chain sources cited in the report by The Elec, Apple is still evaluating the feasibility and mass production timelines for this new display type. While tandem OLEDs are currently more expensive to produce, Apple’s suppliers, including Samsung and LG Display, are investing in the necessary infrastructure to support the shift. LG Display is expected to lead development for Apple in this area, and Samsung is also preparing its production lines. Both companies plan to use Gen 6 OLED manufacturing equipment, which is more suitable for smartphone-size panels.
Although there is no confirmed timeline for the introduction of tandem OLED in iPhones, the earliest models to benefit could be part of the iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 18 series, depending on when production reaches the required scale. Given Apple’s usual pace of adopting new display technology, it is more likely that tandem OLED will debut on the Pro models first before expanding to the regular lineup.
Apple previously introduced LTPO OLED displays on its Pro iPhones which are expected to be part of all new iPhone 17 models. A similar rollout strategy is expected here as well. Tandem OLEDs could eventually become the new standard across all iPhone models, and possibly even iPads and Macs, if panel costs come down and production yields improve.
For now, Apple is in the evaluation stage. The transition to tandem OLED would mark another leap in display quality, particularly as competitors continue to refine their own OLED technologies. If adopted, this change could offer users not just brighter and sharper screens, but also improved battery life and longer-lasting display panels.
