Apple passed on using AMOLED displays for the next iPhone?

This article contains unofficial information.

The next generation iPhone that's looking to be the center of attention when WWDC 2010 comes around could've opted to use AMOLED technology for its display, but a combination of supply and technology issues axed that idea. According to insiders, Apple discussed some business with Samsung Mobile Display about utilizing their display technology on their upcoming iPhone. However, it was transparent that Samsung's AMOLED production capacity was nowhere close to the levels of satisfying their needs – and if they were able to take on the daunting task of supply the iPhone's display, they could most likely operate at 50 to 60 percent capacity. Samsung is already contracted to produce the displays for some of HTC's products, so adding Apple to the mix would've tested them to the max. Instead of seeing AMOLED packing iPhones, Apple decided to stick with IPS LCD displays which would save them money on components and would more than enough to satisfy the insatiable demand that's going to come along with the next iPhone.

Apple iPhone 4G Preliminary Specifications

source: Electronista

13 Comments

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posted on 20 Oct 2010, 01:46

1. sad sack (unregistered)

Smart move, Apple ;-) Just look at the delays the Droid Incredible is now experiencing - besides, AMOLED is apparetly even worse in direct sunlight than LCD.

posted on 27 May 2010, 00:56

2. erikiksaz (Posts: 170; Member since: 22 Apr 2010)

AMOLED may be, but super AMOLED is not. But, unless the majority of your cell phone use is outdoors (which I bet it is not), why sacrifice on the quality of the screen?

posted on 27 May 2010, 03:12

3. DonkeyPunched (Posts: 321; Member since: 10 Jan 2010)

This is so true. I read that my Nexus One has AMOLED, but seriously, I have so much trouble seeing it here in sunny California. I always have to go to the settings with my hand over the screen, trying to navigate and change them from Auto to the highest brightness. Even at that setting, it's still somewhat difficult to see. At least we have an easier option in Froyo to switch it on the Power Controls widget. I'm not trying to complain since I love the OS, but it is really annoying and I'm actually experiencing it for myself.

posted on 27 May 2010, 16:35

7. ILOVEIPHONE25 (unregistered)

Its a no win situation...Great AMOLED screen than terrible sunlight reflection..if you get LCD then the quality is not as good. Both suck at finger prints....I wish I could make up that type of technology...or the technology to dissolve all of the oil in the gulf coast...I would be a billionaire right now

posted on 11 Aug 2011, 11:28

13. YKLA (unregistered)

Both suck at finger prints? What is has to do with panel technology since the panel by itself is behind the piece of glass??

posted on 27 May 2010, 17:19

9. BlackberryUser (Posts: 609; Member since: 26 Jun 2009)

Disolve.. you need to recapture it, why disolve a limited natural resource.

posted on 27 May 2010, 20:41

10. PapaJay224 (Posts: 866; Member since: 08 Feb 2009)

AMOLED is where technology is going why deny the transition...seems cheap and selfish of Apple as usual...

posted on 27 May 2010, 06:56

4. surethom (Posts: 932; Member since: 04 Mar 2009)

Apple has not gone with AMOLED this year because they have got to have a reason for you to buy the 2011 version. come 2014 Apple will run out of hardware & software ideas, where will they go then, they need to release more than 1 version of the iphone to stay in the phone business.

posted on 27 May 2010, 11:31

6. baldilocks (Posts: 814; Member since: 14 Dec 2008)

You fail.

posted on 27 May 2010, 16:35

8. ILOVEIPHONE25 (unregistered)

HIS ENGLISH TEACHER FAILED

posted on 27 May 2010, 20:51

11. PapaJay224 (Posts: 866; Member since: 08 Feb 2009)

I agree with surethom, When has Apple NOT done this...iPhone, 6 months, iPhone 3g, 6 months, iPhone3gs, 6 months iPad, With little to no changes SO drastic to warrant 3 devices in this current technological age. Even their iPods, cmon what kind of iPod does video but cant take snap shots? WTF?!?! How many Nano's does t take to screw in a lightbulb..lets have a 1/2 inch screen to watch color videos...come on! You are seriously naive if you dont agree, or your the exact consumer Apple is looking for.

posted on 27 May 2010, 10:48

5. JeffdaBeat (unregistered)

I wonder if these are the same insiders that said the iPhone would launch on Verizon back in February... This isn't against PhoneArena...but more against these insiders who haven't been right about jack as of yet.

posted on 14 Oct 2010, 08:49

12. Forgive Durden (unregistered)

It's great to know that Super AMOLED is still niche! Only 2 cells got them in the entire world, The Wave and Galaxy S and am way happy to have the Galaxy S!