In a significant technological advancement, Apple’s upcoming iPhone models are poised to benefit from enhanced power efficiency, thanks to Samsung’s new approach in producing OLED screens. A recent report reveals that Samsung, a key supplier for Apple’s iPhone displays, is shifting to a groundbreaking OLED material expected to reduce power consumption substantially.
This innovative change is anticipated to be implemented in the OLED panels by 2026, indicating that the iPhone 18 could be the first model to showcase this advanced technology. According to The Elec, a Korean publication, this development was highlighted by Daejeong Yoon, Deputy Director at UBI Research, during the ‘2023 Second Half UBI Research Analyst Seminar’ in Seoul.
Yoon explained that Samsung’s display division is actively developing blue phosphorescent materials, aiming to enhance light output in its OLED panels. These blue phosphorescent materials, known as ‘B1 components,’ are set to replace the current fluorescent materials used in manufacturing OLED displays. This switch is expected to increase both brightness and power efficiency significantly.
Samsung Display’s current OLED components include red and green phosphorous materials. The addition of the blue phosphorescent material to this mix marks a considerable improvement in the technology. However, the integration of this new material into OLED panels is not immediate. The ‘B1 component set’ is predicted to be part of the OLED material set M15, primarily intended for foldable displays.
Analysts speculate that the iPhone 16, scheduled for release in 2024, will feature an OLED panel constructed using Samsung’s material set M14. The subsequent iPhone 17 is also expected to utilize displays made from the same components. Consequently, the iPhone 18, slated for launch in the latter half of 2026, stands as the prime candidate for incorporating Samsung’s innovative OLED technology.
This technological leap in display manufacturing heralds a new era of efficiency and performance for Apple’s iPhone lineup. With enhanced screen brightness and reduced power consumption, future iPhones are set to offer a more vibrant display experience while extending battery life, a combination eagerly awaited by tech enthusiasts and iPhone users worldwide.
