Future iPads may adopt hybrid OLED displays, Apple says it will cooperate with Taiwan SMT: Report

Apple iPad models with OLED screens are expected to officially launch in 2024. Now, the Cupertino giant is said to have signed up with Taiwan Surface Mount Technology (SMT), along with Samsung and LG, to manufacture panels for the upcoming 12.9-inch iPad Pro and MacBook Pro. With the new supply chain addition, Apple may be preparing for a major iPad upgrade. The iPhone maker already offers OLED displays on the Apple Watch and its recent smartphone models. However, the displays available on the new MacBook and iPad devices are expected to come with some improvements over conventional OLED displays.

According to one report by DigiTimes, Apple registered with SMT Taiwan to adopt the hybrid OLED display in future iPad models. SMT Taiwan is said to perform the SMT process for the mini LED backlight of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and MacBook Pro. Hybrid OLED technology is said to combine both rigid and flexible OLED panel materials.

Apple is said to have provided financial support to SMT Taiwan. The company is said to be contributing to the expansion of its production line by using specialized hardware for mini-LED deposition.

There have been many speculate about the possible OLED iPad for a long time. Previous report declare that Apple is producing the final prototype of an iPad with an OLED display with domestic display partners – SAMSUNG and LG.

Future iPad models are expected to feature a slimmer design and improved image quality. Apple is reportedly going to use a dry etching process that involves chemically removing unnecessary parts while creating a prototype of a thin-film transistor (TFT) circuit for the first time. The screen can be etched to make it thinner and lighter. Adopting this manufacturing process could increase the price of iPad models.

Apple supposedly launch MacBook and iPad Pro models with OLED screens around 2024. The company could launch a new 13.3-inch MacBook with OLED display, along with the rumored 11- and 12.9-inch OLED iPad Pro models. . All three devices are said to use parallel stack technology to improve brightness and longevity while ensuring less power consumption. The new display can provide variable refresh rates between 1–120Hz using low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) technology.