Samsung Display and LG Display are exploring the potential of a new low-refractive index Capping Layer (CPL) technology for small to medium-sized OLED panels, as per reports. Also Apple has a force in the smartphone market for years with its iPhones as Apple is collaborating with Samsung Display and LG Display to create a bezel-less OLED display for iPhones.
Samsung and LG working on power-efficient OLED panels
Currently, high-refractive index CPL is widely use in this sector to reduce power consumption and improve light direction.
The addition of low-refractive index CPL alongside the existing high-refractive index variant could enhance light utilization, increase optical efficiency, and potentially extend the product lifespan.
However, incorporating an additional layer may pose challenges in terms of manufacturing and cost implications.
To implement the new CPL, panel manufacturers need to convince smartphone producers like Samsung Electronics and Apple of its benefits.
Many companies, including Dongjin SEMICHEM, Hodogaya, LAPT, and PNH Tech, have working on low-refractive index CPL technology and have started sample deliveries and preliminary stages with panel manufacturers.
The final choice of suppliers will consider factors like quality, cost, and existing relationships.
As per reports, Samsung and LG have previously showcase their innovation in OLED technology.
Samsung introduce Eco2 OLED panels in 2022, boasting improve power efficiency, which was subsequently use in the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4.
While some Samsung users, especially flagship users, have report display issues such as pink, green, and white lines on their screens recently.
Apple is collaborating with Samsung Display and LG Display to create a bezel-less OLED display for iPhones.
This involves shifting electronic components from the bezel under the screen, requiring advancements in Thin Film Encapsulation (TFE) and Under Panel Camera technologies.
And challenges such as potential antenna interference and durability concerns exist, Apple is actively addressing these technical issues with the help of its partners.
The timeline for completing and implementing these new OLED technologies is uncertain.
It is anticipate that future devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops may feature brighter, more power-efficient OLED screens with extended lifespans.
Apple Calls on Samsung and LG for the Development of ‘Bezel-less’ iPhone
Apple has a force in the smartphone market for years with its iPhones.
Even though it sells fewer units than Samsung, the company still makes more money because it sells more high-end models.
Despite this success, some people criticize Apple for not being innovative enough.
Like, Samsung Galaxy S series have working to perfect the bezel-less full-screen experience for the past few generations.
While iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and iPhone 14 series have criticize for their screen to bezel ratios.
According to recent reports, Apple is working with Samsung Display and LG Display to develop a bezel-less OLED display for the iPhone.
Apple prefers to focus on developing its own technology rather than manufacturing it.
Means they rely on manufacturers like Foxconn and TSMC to actually make their products like iPhone and Mac.
The story is similar for screen technologies.
The company doesn’t make their own screens, so they work with companies like Samsung and LG.
So, if the Apple wants to make a phone with a bezel-less OLED display, they’ll have to collaborate with these competitors.
Creating an iPhone with no bezels is not an easy task.
To achieve this, Apple would need to move all the electronic parts that currently live in the bezel to underneath the screen.
This involves making big advancements in two technologies called “Thin Film Encapsulation” and Under Panel Camera.
TFE, is like a protective coat for the screen, made of several thin layers of special materials.
This “coat” protects the OLED screen from getting damaged by moisture and oxygen.
Apple is asking for these protective layers to be even thinner than they are now.
Apple plans to achieve a full-screen experience not only by making the frames thin by simply arranging the circuits, but also by placing sensors such as the front camera and Face ID under the screen.
As similar technology is already use in some Android models, the image clarity is not up to par due to insufficiently thin screen layers.
Imagine looking through a window with a mosquito net, you can see outside, but the net affects the view’s quality.
This could be a problem for a phone known for its camera quality.
And it’s not just Apple but other big players like Samsung, Huawei, and Vivo also believe this technology needs more development before it’s ready for their top-tier models.
Apple is reportedly worried about potential antenna interference, which is a critical issue.
Plastic is an excellent material for signal transmission, which is why we can find plastic lines on the stainless steel frames used in iPhones.
These lines have face criticism in the past due to their negative impact on the phone’s durability.
Despite using plastic frames on the display for smooth signal traffic, they may not be enough to solve the problem.
Relocating the antennas beneath the display could lead to interference with cellular and Wi-Fi signals, creating further complications.
The development of the much-awaited ‘bezel-less’ iPhone might take an extended period to complete.
Apple’s plans for releasing a smartphone with a bezel-less OLED display remain uncertain.
As per reports suggest that the company is actively collaborating with Samsung Display and LG Display to overcome these technical challenges.
If they succeed, Apple’s bezel-less iPhone would undoubtedly mark a significant innovation in the smartphone market.
