Tech giant Apple is reportedly planning to switch to OLED displays for its iPhone devices starting 2018 and has already notified suppliers of its future plans.

The report came from Nikkei Asian Review, which added that South Korean company LG Display is already planning for capacity upgrades in order to accommodate the expected rise in demands.

Like Us on Facebook

The report added that Apple is expecting to release a mix of OLED and LCD iPhones. This is because of the overwhelming demand for the iPhone against the yet limited production of OLED.

Currently, of all Apple devices, only the Apple Watch uses OLED screens while the iPhones, including the most recent models, are still using the older LCD technology.

OLED screens provide greater contrast levels and deeper blacks since the display only illuminates to present color. Experts also claim that in case Apple uses OLED technology on its iPhone devices, the flagship smartphone will have improved battery life.

According to 9to5Mac, considering Apple's tick-tock strategy of introducing one newly designed iPhone model per year and then improving on that design with advanced hardware the following year, the LCD screen will still be used up to the iPhone 7 models. Experts estimate that OLED screens will probably find their way to the iPhone 8 or iPhone 8S models.

Industry observers say the timeline is just a rough estimate and Apple can make a break with it depending on several factors. Currently, one of the major limiting factors is the production of OLED screen. There is also the scientific fact that brightness, energy saving features and other functions of OLED panels tend to degrade over time.

Apple has started consulting display manufacturers about the ups and downs of OLED panels. Experts say once Apple secures the manufacturing stability of OLED panels, it will immediately integrate it into its devices.

TagsOLED panels, Apple OLED, Apple LCD, Apple Watch, iPhone LCD, iPhone OLED