Apple is finally making a switch from liquid crystal displays (LCDs) to organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays across all its iPhone models with LCD technology coming to an end for the brand.
A report from Nikkei Asia confirms that Apple is moving ahead with plans to incorporate OLED displays into “all iPhone models sold next year and afterward,” a statement believed to cover the forthcoming iPhone 17 series as well as the budget-friendly iPhone SE 4. The new iPhones will feature OLED screens, which deliver richer colors, deeper blacks, and wider viewing angles than their LCD counterparts.
According to Nikkei Asia, Apple has already started placing orders for OLED displays from BOE Technology Group in China and LG Display in South Korea. This marks a significant shift away from its previous reliance on Japanese suppliers like Sharp and Japan Display, who historically provided LCDs for Apple’s iPhones. Recently, only the iPhone SE series, Apple’s most affordable model, has used LCDs, but the upcoming SE will make the jump to OLED as well.
“This change marks the end of LCDs in iPhones, with the SE model scheduled for release next year also featuring an OLED display, along with standard-priced iPhone models and premium Pro models,” the report highlighted.
OLED displays offer significant improvements over Apple’s current Retina and Liquid Retina displays, which have been praised for their brightness, contrast, and pixel density. In comparison, OLED technology provides an even more enhanced viewing experience with its vibrant colors and more efficient power consumption, reducing eye strain and improving user comfort. This has been a much-anticipated move, with many Apple enthusiasts pushing for the transition since OLEDs were adopted by competitors like Samsung and Google in the early 2010s.
Apple’s move toward OLED has been gradual. The tech giant first introduced OLED displays with the release of the iPhone X in 2017, while continuing to equip its less expensive models with LCD technology. The iPhone SE, Apple’s most affordable option, has traditionally kept LCDs to maintain a lower price point. However, the upcoming iPhone SE 4, expected to be revealed in early 2025, will break with tradition by adopting OLED technology.
Moreover, along with this display upgrade, the SE 4 is rumored to feature additional improvements such as the removal of Touch ID in favor of Face ID, an A18 processor, and the Action button, first introduced in 2023.