Apple Brought Tandem OLED Panels to the iPad Pro in 2024 Before Considering Them for iPhones
Apple’s iPhone 17 series is expected to make its debut next month, but leaks are already hinting at innovations planned for future iPhones. One of the most intriguing developments is Apple’s reported interest in adopting Tandem OLED technology, a display advancement that was first introduced with the iPad Pro (2024). Unlike the current single-layer OLED panels used in iPhones, Tandem OLED features two stacked OLED layers, which could deliver improved brightness, power efficiency, and display longevity.
According to a report from The Elec, Apple is in early talks with both LG Display and Samsung Display regarding the development of these advanced panels. In 2024, LG Display was said to have pitched a simplified version of Tandem OLED technology to Apple, sparking the company’s interest. Soon after, Apple reportedly sought additional details from Samsung Display, indicating that it may want multiple suppliers for the future iPhone display upgrade.
The key benefit of Tandem OLED lies in its higher durability and energy efficiency. With two active light-emitting layers, displays can operate at lower brightness levels while still achieving strong visuals. This could help reduce burn-in issues that OLED screens sometimes face, while also extending battery life — a feature that iPhone users would greatly appreciate.
However, industry sources suggest that Apple’s typical two-year development cycle means the technology will take time to mature for iPhone integration. While the iPad Pro has already showcased its potential, insiders believe that iPhones may not adopt Tandem OLED panels until 2028. This indicates Apple is playing the long game, ensuring that when the technology arrives on the iPhone, it will be refined and ready for mass adoption.