Apparently Samsung and LG have already started preparations for the production of OLED displays for the 2024 iPad Pros: South Korea’s tech publication ET News it even reports that Samsung Display has officially confirmed this. Unofficially, there is talk of a “hybrid” OLED technology, that is, which will employ solutions and components from both rigid and flexible displays.
The goal is to reduce the so-called crumpling phenomenon, a particular type of distortion that can occur in larger OLEDs. Apparently, that very crumpling was why Apple delayed the release of tablets (and, at this point, we’re guessing, laptops) with OLED screens so much in favor of LCDs with miniLED backlight technology.
According to the source, Samsung will produce the panels at its Asan plant in Chungcheongnam-do (South Korea), more precisely in the A3 department. A key partner in the initiative will be Chemtronics, which will take care of the extremely delicate etching process, in which unwanted/needed parts are removed from the display circuit.
The company will employ a particular technique called dry etching, which uses plasma instead of conventional chemicals. This is a significant investment for Chemtronics – developing a dedicated department will require around $19 million. LG will instead produce the displays at its factory in Paju, also in Korea. The engraving process will be followed by Avatech.
With the advent of OLEDs in 2024, the top-of-the-line iPad Pros should receive several other changes. Meanwhile, the diagonals should increase, albeit marginally – from 11 to 11.1 inches, and from 12.9 to 13 inches net. By contrast, the bezels should shrink. It is also speculated that the Apple logo on the back will be larger, in order to favor MagSafe connections.
It is worth noting that the source does not mention in any way two other high-end iPads that have been much discussed in the last period: the model with a 14″ diagonal display and the foldable one.
