Apple will start using low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LPTO) display technology for its iPhone 13 Pro displays next year, as per a new report from Korean website, The Elec. This display tech could allow for power-efficient OLED displays, opening up possibilities for higher-refresh rates or always-on displays.
iPhone 13 to feature LPTO display tech
The OLED displays with LPTO technology will be supplied by LG Display. The Elec reports:
LG Display is planning to put in low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LPTO) thin-film transistors (TFT) equipment that can add 25,000 substrates per month in monthly production rate into the lines by next year.
LPTO kit that can add 5,000 substrates per month in production rate is already being installed. By May next year, 10,000 substrates per month will be added and another 10,000 substrates per month after that.
The website further reports that Apple is planning to use this new display technology on two out of its four iPhone 13 models. Samsung Display, which also supplies OLED panels to Apple, along with LG, will be providing these new displays to Apple as well. Samsung already creates LPTO panels which are used in Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.
Apple is expected to use LTPO technology for the two iPhone models out of the four it will be planning for next year. Samsung Display, which also supplies OLED panels to Apple, is expected to transfer some parts of its A3 line at Asan, South Korea, for its iPhone supply. A3 has a monthly production capacity of 105,000 substrates. Samsung Display has already supplied LPTO panels to Samsung Electronics for the Galaxy Note20 Ultra this year.
The primary benefit of LTPO technology would be in terms of power efficiency. It reduces power consumption which could allow for features such as an always-on display, or even 120Hz refresh rate in future iPhone 13 models. Apple has been using LTPO display technology in Apple Watch, starting with Series 5, which has allowed for an always-on display.
Other iPhone 13 leaks so far point towards camera improvements, especially for the ultra-wide camera. We are still in early days for iPhone 13 leaks and rumors, and Apple’s plans could change significantly over the next few months.
Stay tuned for the latest iPhone 13 news.
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