Industry Buzz: Samsung and LG Compete for Apple’s iPad OLED Panel Production

The tech world is abuzz with the latest news from Apple: a significant upgrade to its high-end iPad lineup. Reports from the South Korean media outlet The Elec indicate that Samsung Display, a major panel manufacturer, has begun mass production of OLED panels for Apple’s iPad, heralding a major update for the product line.

Key Developments and Industry Dynamics

Samsung Display Takes the Lead in OLED Production

Samsung Display, already the primary supplier of OLED panels for Apple’s iPhone, is set to dominate the iPad OLED panel orders. The company is gearing up for mass production, particularly focusing on 11-inch models. According to the report, both 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models will feature low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) thin-film transistor (TFT) OLED screens, similar to those in the iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max.

LG Display in the Fray

Not to be outdone, LG Display has also made significant inroads into the iPad OLED panel supply chain. The company is already mass-producing 12.9-inch iPad OLED panels and is poised to begin production of the 11-inch models soon. While LG Display has been involved in the development of 12.9-inch iPad OLED panels, there is currently no set timeline for mass production, leaving the reasons for this unclear.

The Battle for iPad OLED Panel Orders

In the fierce competition for Apple’s iPad OLED panel orders, LG Display seems to be gaining an upper hand. However, the first batch of panels often faces instability in production yield rates. If LG Display’s yield rate control does not meet Apple’s stringent standards, Apple may shift more orders to Samsung Display, potentially repeating a pattern seen with the iPhone.

Apple’s Production Timeline and Market Expectations

Apple is reportedly set to start mass production of the OLED version of the iPad Pro in March, with an expected market launch in April. This development marks a significant upgrade in Apple’s product line, promising enhanced display quality and performance.

Anticipation Builds for Apple’s Next Move

As the tech community eagerly awaits the release of the OLED iPad Pro, the implications of this upgrade extend beyond improved screen technology. The competition between Samsung Display and LG Display highlights the evolving dynamics of the tech industry’s supply chain. With Apple’s history of innovation, the upcoming iPad Pro could set new benchmarks in the tablet market.