Most previous rumors about the OLED iPad have focused on Apple making a 12.9-inch iPad Pro with an OLED display, but new evidence suggests that this is just the first of many rumors. Eventually, Apple will use OLED displays in all iPads because it provides a brighter screen, but the transition hasn’t been exactly smooth, with the OLED iPad Air, which was originally planned for a 2022 release, reportedly being dropped due to supply issues and technical problems.
However, some believe that Apple did not want to hurt iPad Pro sales by introducing OLED to the iPad Air, and therefore canceled the scheduled product launch.
However, according to The Elec, Samsung Display and Ulvac are in talks about the key technology processes required for Samsung to manufacture the display. Importantly, this relates specifically to the manufacture of Apple’s next-generation OLED iPad.
Samsung Display and Ulvac have reportedly been working together on what is being called an 8.5 generation (2200x2500mm) substrate deposition device. This means that Samsung Display is able to more economically create the large OLED panels needed for tablet and PC size (as well as panels for smartphones).
If Samsung completes negotiations next month as expected, it will likely be able to begin mass production of Gen 8.5 OLED panels by the end of 2024.
The Elec has a good track record of accuracy in reporting supply chain information, however, it has a much worse track record of extrapolating conclusions about Apple’s product plans.
