Samsung and LG Catch Up with iPad... Apple Sparks Opening of IT OLED Market

Apple to Adopt OLED for iPad Pro
Turning Point in Small and Medium OLED Market Growth
Market Shift from LCD to OLED

Apple has decided to adopt organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology for the iPad scheduled for release next year, and Samsung Display and LG Display are actively preparing for panel mass production. Both companies are expected to accelerate their transition to an OLED-centered structure by securing the initial volume orders from Apple, a major player in the IT market.

Recently, market research firm Omdia stated in its report titled "Apple's iPad Panel Purchase Plans and Outlook" that Apple is expected to equip the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models with OLED panels next year.

The iPad Pro with M2 chip released last October.
[Photo by Apple]

Until now, Apple has applied liquid crystal display (LCD) technology to the iPad. However, it appears that Apple will adopt OLED for the first time in the iPad Pro models to be released next year to enhance premium quality. The characteristics of OLED, such as low power consumption, excellent color reproduction, and light weight, are also considered factors.

Omdia explained, "Apple is continuously discussing whether to adopt OLED panels for the iPad Mini and iPad Air lineups after 2026. They will adjust the launch schedule for the iPad Mini and iPad Air based on market response and sales results of the iPad Pro."

Domestic companies such as Samsung Display and LG Display, which lead the OLED market with a global market share of about 80%, have been presented with an opportunity. This is because a new growth engine for OLED beyond mobile devices has been urgently needed.

Among the 10 million panels Apple requires, LG Display is expected to supply a total of 6 million units for the 11-inch and 12.9-inch models, while Samsung Display is predicted to supply 4 million units for the 11-inch model. Both companies are expected to begin mass production of OLED panels for the iPad from the first quarter of next year, in time for the product launch in the second half of next year.

The iPad OLED panels are expected to be mass-produced on the 6th generation (1500×1850 mm, generation distinguished by substrate size) line. Samsung Display plans to produce iPad OLED panels at its 6th generation A3 line located in Asan, Chungnam, while LG Display is preparing for hybrid OLED mass production at its 6th generation factory in Paju.

Apple is preparing to apply OLED not only to the iPad but also to the MacBook, targeting a release in 2026. They are considering using OLED for the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook models.

Samsung Display and LG Display plan to maintain their technological gap to ensure profitability. Samsung Display is expected to produce MacBook OLED panels on the newly invested 8th generation line. Samsung Display is also considering expanding its 8.5th generation OLED line at the L8-2 line in Asan, Chungnam, which ceased production last June. LG Display plans to complete the expansion of its 6th generation small- and medium-sized OLED line with a monthly production capacity of 60,000 units by the first half of next year.

Apple's adoption of OLED panels is expected to be a turning point for the expansion of the small- and medium-sized OLED market. Apple sells about 70 million tablets annually. MacBook demand is also solid, having recorded its highest sales volume in the third quarter of last year. Apple's application of OLED to tablets and laptops is likely to accelerate adoption by other competitors. Although shipment volumes are smaller compared to the iPhone, the iPad's screen area is about 4 to 5 times larger than that of the iPhone, suggesting that the IT OLED market will rapidly blossom.

Market research firm UBI Research recently forecasted in its report "Analysis of IT OLED Technology and Industry Trends" that global IT OLED shipments will increase from 7.9 million units this year to 31.3 million units in 2027, growing at an average annual rate of 41%, driven by the "Apple effect."

Meanwhile, concerns about OLED, such as higher prices compared to LCD and burn-in (the phenomenon where residual images remain after prolonged screen display), still exist, but optimistic forecasts suggest these issues can be resolved soon. Kevin Lee, a researcher at Counterpoint Research, said, "With the introduction of new technologies like the two-stack tandem structure and reductions in manufacturing costs, it is highly likely that these problems will be resolved in the near future." The two-stack tandem refers to stacking two OLED emitting layers. This method can double the brightness and quadruple the lifespan of existing panels.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.