A new supply chain rumor has indicated that Apple plans to use LTPO screens for the 2021 iPhone Pro models, which would enable ProMotion and always-on display features.
Previous reports have suggested that Apple plans to take the type of OLED panels used in the Apple Watch Series 4 and 5 and bring them to this year’s flagship iPhones.
While the current iPhones feature OLED screens, it’s thought that the type of OLED used may change. Specifically, the new screens could feature low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LPTO) panels, which allow variable refresh rates, which opens up new possibilities.
First, it’s thought that the refresh rate could be used to improve responsiveness of the screen. Apple has already done this with the iPad Pro, using 120Hz refresh cycles known as the “ProMotion” feature, which has shone through when using the Apple Pencil, but also makes for smoother and faster action in games, as well as smoother scrolling.
The refresh rate could also be slowed as needed to reduce power consumption. Apple has already done this with the Apple Watch Series 5, and enables its always-on display without a massive hit on battery life. (The same display tech is used in the Series 4, but Apple didn’t choose to enable the feature for that.)
Per an article in TheElec, it’s thought that Samsung will act as the sole supplier for 2021:
Samsung Display will be the exclusive supplier used by Apple for organic light emitting diode (OLED) panels used in the two highest tier models of its next iPhone, TheElec has learned.
Both models of iPhone 13 will use low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) thin-film transistors (TFT) OLED panels made by Samsung Display.
Apple’s iPhone 13 will have four models and all of them will use OLED panels. The top two models will use LTPO OLED that can support 120Hz refresh rate.
LG is expected to supply the LTPO screen components for next-gen iPhones from 2022 on.
Also, it’s thought that LTPO will be reserved for the iPhone Pro models this year, and Apple is thought to be expanding the technology to the 2022 iPhone models.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.