Forget OLED: Here's What's Next for iPhone Displays

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The company has apparently visited suppliers for a new screen technology.

Apple might be planning to use OLED and LCD this year in its new iPhones, but in the future, we might see the company turn to MicroLED.

Credit: Tom's Guide

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Currently, OLED is widely considered best overall screen technology. It's thin, delivers outstanding color and brightness, and can be bent and folded at will to create unique product designs. But many companies are excited about MicroLED, which can deliver similarly outstanding pictures but come with more efficient designs and the option to create screens both big and small with ease.

Indeed, MicroLEDs could present a major opportunity for Apple. And at least on the design side, the thinner and lighter MicroLEDs could help the company build a new iPhone design.

The problem with MicroLED, however, is that it's difficult and costly to produce. And while many industry pundits see it as a viable alternative to OLED, for now, it's not even close to matching OLED technology in affordability and ease-of-manufacturing.

MORE: What Is MicroLED and When Can You Get It?

Still, a Bloomberg report this year said that Apple (and Samsung) are bullish on MicroLED. That report said Apple has developed a secretive facility in California where it's researching MicroLED and identifying opportunities to bundle the technology in future products. It's still unknown when we can expect to see MicroLED come to iPhones.

Of course, Apple isn't talking about MicroLED or any plans for the future. But look for much more on this in the coming months and years as Apple continues to see what all the fuss is about with MicroLED.

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Don Reisinger

Don Reisinger is CEO and founder of D2 Tech Agency. A communications strategist, consultant, and copywriter, Don has also written for many leading technology and business publications including CNET, Fortune Magazine, The New York Times, Forbes, Computerworld, Digital Trends, TechCrunch and Slashgear. He has also written for Tom's Guide for many years, contributing hundreds of articles on everything from phones to games to streaming and smart home.