Apple orders 70 million OLED panels from Samsung for iPhone 8: Report

Apple has reportedly placed orders for bendable organic-light emitting diode (OLED) panels from Samsung for their upcoming iPhone.

According to a report from Nikkei, Apple has placed an order for 70 million displays from Samsung for use in the iPhone 8. This will be the first time that Apple will adopt a curved OLED screen for its iPhones. Samsung is also said to be the sole supplier of OLED panels for the next iPhone due to having the “most advanced” technology in the field. These new iPhones will most likely be waterproof and have wireless charging.   

David Hsieh, senior director at a research company IHS Markit stated, “Apple has ordered 70 million units of OLED panels from Samsung this year, while Samsung is preparing to churn out as many as 95 million for Apple in 2017, in case demand exceeds expectations. It is also possible that some of these 70 million handsets will not be shipped to customers this year and be carried over to next year depending on demand.”

Apple is expected to launch three iPhones this year - 4.7-inch display, 5.2-inch display and 5.5 inch display. While the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch phones will adopt existing liquid crystal display technology without curved screens, the 5.2-inch iPhone will sport a slightly curved OLED screen and is believed to be priced more than $1,000 (approximately Rs 65,000).