We are talking again about the OLED on the iPad range. Apparently, Samsung plans to manufacture single-layer OLED panels on its first “Gen 8” OLED production line. The current “Gen 6” lines are suitable for iPhones. Apple is expected to launch its first two-layer OLED panel with the 2024 iPads, according to information from The Electric.
iPad OLED will arrive in 2023
According to anonymous sources, the project of SamsungDisplay aiming to develop a full-cut vertical deposition machine optimized for an 8th generation line with the Japanese company Ulvac aimed to produce single-layer OLED panels from the earliest design stages.
A single OLED means there’s a red, green and blue emitting layer, while a bi-level tandem OLED logically means there’s an additional layer. Having two RGB emission layers stacked in tandem increases the brightness of the display while extending its lifespan, making this technology more optimal for tablets and PCs.
Samsung Display’s first Gen 8 OLED line will have enough space in the factory to be converted to manufacture the more sophisticated two-layer tandem OLED. This can be achieved by installing more chambers for the vacuum deposition process of organic materials.
While the new lines are aimed at Apple, Samsung Display and LG Display are expected to use their existing Gen 6 lines (1500x1850mm panels) to manufacture the panels for the first OLED iPads. For more, read The Elec’s report.
This report suggests that first-generation OLED iPads with a single layer could launch before the 2024 dual-layer design. It’s unclear at this time whether single-layer OLEDs will launch this fall or in 2023. We bet instead over next year for the iPad Pro, leaving an additional year for the 2021 model with miniLED.