Sharp exec confirms next iPhone will have OLED display

By

iOS and Android are killing off the competition.
Samsung is already using OLED in its phones.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The next iPhone will get upgraded to an amazing OLED display, according to a Sharp executive who confirmed the long-standing rumor while speaking at Tatung University.

Sharp President Tai Jeng-wu, who is also an executive at Foxconn, told students that if Apple doesn’t switch to OLED iPhone, there won’t be any innovation.

[contextly_auto_sidebar]

“The iPhone has been evolving and now it is switching from LTPS to OLED panels,” said Tai Jeng-wu. “We don’t know whether Apple’s OLED iPhones will be a hit, but if Apple doesn’t walk down this path and transform itself, there will be no innovation. It is a crisis but it is also an opportunity.”

iPhone 8 made in USA?

Switching to OLED will give the iPhone brighter colors and sharper contrasts. Samsung already move to OLED with the Galaxy S7. Another benefit of OLED is its ability to flex. Early rumors for the 2017 iPhone claim Apple will add a curved display.

In his acceptance speech for an honorary doctorate degree, Tai also said Sharp would be willing to move manufacturing for iPhone displays to the U.S.

“We are now building a new [OLED] facility in Japan. We can make [OLED panels] in the U.S. too,” he said. “If our key customer demands us to manufacture in the U.S., is it possible for us not to do so?”

The next generation iPhone isn’t expected to launch until Fall of 2017, so take all the rumors with a grain of salt. Other rumors have claimed the device will have a glass front and rear panels that are sandwiched with an aluminum band.

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.