Apple likely to adopt OLED for more devices

The market for organic-light emitting diodes will likely gain more steam in the next couple years as more device-makers, including Apple, are forecast to roll out their next flagship smartphones and smartwatches fitted with the flexible display, according to sources.

Even though handset manufacturers will not immediately drop the traditional liquid crystal displays from their devices, they will opt for OLEDs for products such as foldable tablets in two or three years, they forecast.

California-based Apple’s Apple Watch, sporting an OLED display produced by LG Display. (LGE)

“More device-makers will choose to switch to OLED screens, due largely to its flexibility and better contrast,” said a market watcher, predicting Apple would be among those to make the shift.

Another market analyst made a bold prediction that consumers would be able to get their hands on foldable devices featuring OLED as early as the second half of next year.

The smartphone powerhouses -- Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and Apple -- are said to be developing the new types of devices behind the scenes.

Apple has been testing the waters for the use of OLED displays in its handsets. The California-based firm released its Apple Watch with an OLED display.

As the sales of iPhones is expected to reach around 200 million units yearly, inking a supply deal with the California-based company for handset displays would be a financial boon to display-makers, according to market officials.

Apple shipped around 150 million iPhones in 2013 and 170 million in 2014. Its sales as of the third quarter this year had surpassed 183 million.

The Korean display duo and Japanese display-maker Japan Display will likely compete to supply the OLED displays for the next iPhones and Apple Watches.

LG Display is currently the sole vendor of the OLED displays for Apple’s first wearable device, but Samsung has been rumored to be picked as the sole supplier of the next-generation Apple Watch expected to be released in the first half of next year.

Industry watchers said, however, exclusive deals for Apple’s handset or smartwatch displays are “highly unlikely,” considering Apple usually sticks to the strategy of having at least two suppliers of electronics parts in a bid to lower prices and maintain a stable supply of components.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)