Apple to help build AU Optronics into AMOLED supplier for future iPhones, rumors claim

Posted:
in iPhone
Apple is planning to invest in Taiwan's AU Optronics and build the firm into an AMOLED screen supplier for future iPhones, reports said on Tuesday.




Although AUO refused to comment on the matter, its shares jumped 5.15 percent in Tuesday trading, according to Focus Taiwan. The enthusiasm spread to Apple panel supplier Innolux, which saw its own shares rise 2.67 percent.

AUO has been developing AMOLED displays for a over a decade, and last year began shipping units to some Chinese companies like Huawei. Adding the demands of a business like Apple, though, would likely require a major financial injection to build out manufacturing capacity.

Apple's current iPhones reportedly use LTPS (low temperature poly-silicon) screens from LG Display, Japan Display, and Sharp. Rumors from December suggested that Apple was close to signing a deal with LG Display and Samsung for iPhone OLED panels, which could potentially make AUO the third leg in a tripod.

AMOLED would offer several advantages over the iPhone's current display technology, such as better power consumption and outdoor visibility.

Other reports have suggested, however, that the technology won't be in iPhones until at least 2018, or possibly even 2019.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 4
    Is this another sapphire-like debacle in the making?
  • Reply 2 of 4
    cnocbuicnocbui Posts: 3,613member
    Deeeds said:
    Is this another sapphire-like debacle in the making?
    You may well be right. If this just to increase OLED manufacturing capacity then it makes sense, but if the idea is to create a sole supplier then it's not terribly sensible. Maybe it's intentional misinformation designed to get LG and Samsung to cut their margins to the bone. If so I would bet they see through it.
  • Reply 3 of 4
    rgh71rgh71 Posts: 125member
    Deeeds said:
    Is this another sapphire-like debacle in the making?
    Possible but doubtful.  Apple doesn't cause many debacles, especially two in a row.
  • Reply 4 of 4
    rgh71 said:
    Deeeds said:
    Is this another sapphire-like debacle in the making?
    Possible but doubtful.  Apple doesn't cause many debacles, especially two in a row.
    That you hear of.

    And you don't hear of the non-debacles from all the other investments, partnerships etc... so it's not like it's "two in a row", it's just "one in the know, and then the next..."

    This looks a lot like a next, to me.


Sign In or Register to comment.