Apple passed on using AMOLED displays for the next iPhone?

posted by John V. / May 26, 2010, 11:06 PM

This article contains unofficial information.

Apple passed on using AMOLED displays for the next iPhone?

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

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13 Comments

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 Oct 20, 2010, 1:46 AM 0

2. erikiksaz

Posts: 170; Member since: Apr 22, 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 May 27, 2010, 12:56 AM 0

3. DonkeyPunched

Posts: 321; Member since: Jan 10, 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 May 27, 2010, 3:12 AM 0

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 May 27, 2010, 4:35 PM 0

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 Aug 11, 2011, 11:28 AM 0

9. BlackberryUser

Posts: 609; Member since: Jun 26, 2009

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

posted on May 27, 2010, 5:19 PM 0

10. PapaJay224

Posts: 866; Member since: Feb 08, 2009

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

posted on May 27, 2010, 8:41 PM 0

4. surethom

Posts: 1715; Member since: Mar 04, 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 May 27, 2010, 6:56 AM 0

6. baldilocks

Posts: 1538; Member since: Dec 14, 2008

You fail.

posted on May 27, 2010, 11:31 AM 0

8. ILOVEIPHONE25 unregistered

HIS ENGLISH TEACHER FAILED

11. PapaJay224

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 May 27, 2010, 8:51 PM 0

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 May 27, 2010, 10:48 AM 0

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!