Apple Reportedly Exploring Tandem OLED Tech for Future iPhones

Apple may be planning to bring tandem OLED display technology, recently introduced on the latest iPad Pro, to a future iPhone—potentially delivering major gains in power efficiency, according to a report from The Elec.

What is Tandem OLED and Why Does It Matter?

• The latest iPad Pro uses a two-stack tandem OLED, where red, green, and blue sub-pixels are doubled for improved brightness and efficiency.

• For the iPhone, Apple is reportedly considering a simplified version:

  • Only the blue sub-pixels are stacked, reducing complexity and cost.

  • This still improves power efficiency and extends battery life, a critical factor for thin devices like the rumored iPhone 17 Air.

Current iPhones use a single-stack OLED design, which is less efficient compared to tandem structures.

Why Now? The Battery Life Challenge

Apple’s push for thinner designs—such as the iPhone 17 Air rumored at just 5.5mm—makes power efficiency more important than ever. A tandem OLED could:

• Cut power consumption

• Improve display brightness and longevity

• Reduce thermal load, helping manage heat from next-gen chips

Supplier Dynamics

• LG Display pitched the simplified tandem design to Apple last year, leveraging its experience with automotive OLED panels and the OLED iPad Pro.

• Apple has also engaged Samsung Display, indicating it wants multiple suppliers before committing.

When Could This Happen?

• Even if Apple greenlights the project, don’t expect it before 2028.

• This timing would follow the 2027 iPhone “Glasswing” anniversary model, rumored to feature:

  • Bezel-free design

  • Under-display Face ID and camera

  • New silicon-anode battery tech

Takeaway: This could be a game-changing upgrade for battery life, but it’s a long-term play. Apple is balancing power efficiency, durability, and cost before bringing tandem OLED to iPhone.