Could the iPhone Get Tandem OLED Displays by 2028?

Apple’s iPhone displays are already some of the best in the business, but a new report suggests an even bigger leap is on the horizon. According to Dealsite, LG Display is pushing Apple to adopt tandem OLED display technology for a future iPhone—possibly as soon as 2028.

What Is Tandem OLED?

Unlike traditional OLED panels, tandem OLED stacks multiple light-emitting layers on top of each other. This boosts:

• Brightness – more punch in sunlight.

• Longevity – panels last longer before dimming.

• Efficiency – less power consumption, which means longer battery life.

We’ve already seen the tech in action. Earlier this year, Apple’s iPad Pro debuted with a tandem OLED screen, and the results were impressive.

LG’s Big Play

LG Display has been a pioneer in tandem OLED:

• First commercialized it in 2019 (for car displays).

• Supplies the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro with tandem OLED.

• Currently holds 348 U.S. patents, about 25% of the total, giving it a strong edge over Samsung and Japan’s SEL.

With that experience, LG is eager to bring the tech to the iPhone and reportedly has Apple’s attention.

The Competition Heats Up

Apple doesn’t like relying on one supplier, so Samsung Display and BOE are in the mix too:

• Samsung supplies tandem OLED for iPad Pro and is expanding into cars.

• BOE shipped tandem OLED in Honor’s Magic6 Porsche smartphone.

LG might have the lead, but Apple is known for testing multiple partners before locking in a key component.

The Challenge: Production

Stacking multiple OLED layers is not simple—it reduces production throughput, meaning fewer panels per manufacturing run. To handle this, LG is reportedly planning new investments to meet potential Apple demand.

Why Apple Wants This

With devices like the rumored iPhone 17 Air getting super thin, every millimeter of battery space counts. A more efficient display could help offset smaller batteries, keeping performance and longevity balanced.

And it’s part of a bigger picture: Apple is pushing hard on battery life improvements across its lineup.

Timeline: When to Expect It

Even if Apple moves forward, don’t expect tandem OLED iPhones before 2028. That’s after the much-rumored 20th-anniversary iPhone in 2027, which is already expected to bring:

• A bezel-free design

• Silicon anode batteries for better capacity

If the rumors hold true, 2028 could be the year iPhone gets its most efficient display ever.