- Apple is planning to bring a simplified version of Tandem OLEDs to iPhones by 2028, starting with the Pro models.
- The new display tech will focus on stacking blue subpixels to improve brightness and battery life without complicating production.
- LG and Samsung are already in talks with Apple to supply the panels, aiming to make this a major leap in iPhone screen performance.
Apple is reportedly working on bringing Tandem OLEDs to the iPhone. Although not officially confirmed by Apple yet, but there’s a good chance it’s real, because the source is pretty solid. If this happens, it could be one of the biggest display changes in iPhones in years. I’ll try to keep this simple and just explain what it is and why it presumably matters.
So what are Apple Tandem OLEDs?
In simple words, Tandem OLEDs are made by stacking two OLED panels on top of each other. Apple already used this in the 2024 iPad Pro, and the results were solid. You get better brightness and it also uses less battery. So for devices we use a lot, like iPhones, this could be a smart upgrade.
Apple might do it differently for iPhones
Now, here’s the thing. iPads and iPhones are different. iPhones are smaller and are sold in way higher numbers. So Apple is probably going with a simplified version of the Tandem OLED for iPhones. That means instead of stacking all the color layers, they’ll probably just double the blue pixels.
The reason they’re focusing on blue is that blue OLEDs wear out faster and eat up more power. By stacking just that part, they can make the screen last longer and also save some battery, without making the display super expensive or hard to build.
LG and Samsung are already in the loop
According to reports, Apple is working closely with LG Display and Samsung Display on this. Both of them are already big players in OLED tech. LG apparently showed Apple this simplified idea last year, so they’re kind of ahead. Apple’s now in talks with both to figure out how and when to start making it.
When’s it coming?
If Apple follows its usual timing for new tech, we might see the first iPhone with Apple Tandem OLEDs in 2028. Most likely, it’ll show up first in the Pro models, like they’ve done before with other new stuff. That gives them time to test it out and make sure it works fine on a large scale.
To be honest, I think this is more than just a small upgrade. If Apple really brings Tandem OLEDs to the iPhone, it’ll help improve the display a lot — brighter, better looking, and won’t kill your battery that fast. It’s still a few years away, but it feels like a good step forward. Nothing flashy, just a solid improvement.
