Key Takeaways
1. The iPad Pro received a significant update with the introduction of M4-based models featuring Tandem OLED panels.
2. Apple is adding LX Semicon to its supply chain to develop a new display driver IC, moving away from Samsung’s exclusivity.
3. The new display driver IC will be paired with LG Innotek’s chip-on-film technology, allowing for thinner bezels.
4. These changes may lead to either larger displays or smaller iPad Pro models in the future.
5. The anticipated updates could be included in the upcoming iPad Pro (8th generation) with an M5 chipset.
The iPad Pro got a big update last year, introducing the Apple M4-based 11-inch and 13-inch models (curr. $928.99 – refurbished on Amazon). The 7th generation iPad Pro not only showcased the M4 chipset but also featured Tandem OLED panels for the first time in the lineup. Reports suggest that Apple might be looking to enhance the display even further in the near future.
New Supply Chain Moves
DigiTimes has indicated that Apple is adding LX Semicon to its supply chain for upcoming iPad Pro models. LX Semicon has been given the job of developing a new display driver IC, which Apple hopes to finalize within the next week. This shift would mean that Apple is moving away from its reliance on Samsung System LSI, which currently holds exclusivity over display driver ICs for all iPad Pro (7th generation) tablets.
Innovative Technology Integration
In another report, The Elec mentions that Apple aims to pair LX Semicon’s display driver IC with LG Innotek’s chip-on-film (CoF) technology. This technology uses heat to bond display driver ICs to a flexible film. As a result, this change could allow Apple to create more space for reducing the size of display bezels.
This change could mean either larger displays within the same chassis or smaller 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pros. However, neither DigiTimes nor The Elec offered details on when these display enhancements might be introduced. The hint that Apple plans to approve a new display driver IC this month suggests that these updates might be pushed to the iPad Pro (8th generation), which is anticipated to feature an Apple M5 chipset.
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