Apple’s plans to produce an iPad with an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display were thought to be with Samsung, but due to manufacturing constraints, the company could work with LG instead, with the company looking to ramp up its production capacity. The upgrades have been rumored for over two years, but were derailed by everything from the microchip shortage to financial constraints. Despite releasing an iPad Pro last year with miniLED display technology, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. There have been serious concerns about a light-blooming issue affecting the new displays, which increased calls for an OLED option on Apple’s largest touchscreen device.
It was recently confirmed that OLED iPad displays were delayed until 2024 at the earliest due to issues with Samsung’s manufacturing processes. Apple wanted panels with double-stack structures, which would increase the peak brightness on new models. However, the current processes Samsung uses to produce its OLED displays — like the one found in the latest Apple Watch — would be too costly. In order for the South Korean electronics company to upgrade its manufacturing processes, it reportedly required a significant pre-order from Apple as an investment into the new process.
A new report from Korea IT News suggests that LG — not Samsung — could produce the latest display for Apple’s iPad lineup in 2024. LG is going all-in on display tech, especially after exiting the smartphone market last year. LG’s plant in Paju, South Korea was used to make traditional LCD screens. In 2021, though, the company pivoted to producing exclusively OLED displays at the facility. After considering the volume that Apple would require from an OLED supplier for its iPad line, LG is now making upgrades to its production line in advance of the expected tablet’s release.
LG Upgrades Smartphone & Tablet Production Lines
Specifically, LG is upgrading its P9 and P10 production lines at the Paju facility, which make small and medium-sized displays. These are mostly used for mobile phone and tablet screens. The investment, which is said to be worth tens of billions of dollars, is set to start sequentially until it is finished in 2024. This roughly lines up with the production schedule rumored for an OLED iPad, which would be mid-to-late 2024. It is important to note that Apple would need its displays to be produced about a year before OLED iPads hit the shelves. It’s unclear what production capacity LG would have available in 2023, when the production of OLED iPad panels is expected to start.
Though it can be difficult to upscale OLED technology on larger displays, like iPads, LG has experience making larger displays in its consumer TV business. Despite its abrupt exit of the smartphone business, the company is still a significant supplier of smartphone displays. While Apple has traditionally trusted Samsung with its high-end displays, there have been quality control concerns in the past. Pair that with Samsung’s request that pre-orders be placed before the company’s equipment is updated, and LG could be shaping up to be the next manufacturer of iPad displays.
