Apple in long-term development of OLED iPad?
updated 08:15 am EDT, Mon April 19, 2010
Apple may have OLED tablet in long term
A future version of the iPad should come with an OLED display if a rumor from the electronics industry is true. The next model would use the organic display technology sometime in 2011 and would somewhat resemble the next iPhone. Who would make the display wasn't mentioned.
The technology would be a potential advantage for the iPad as it could significantly improve battery life through the absence of a backlight. It would also result in a thinner screen and would eliminate ghosting effects from fast-moving pixels. Outdoor viewability could be a major issue but would be helped if the touch layer was merged with the screen to reduce reflections, much like Samsung's Super AMOLED.
Cost makes it unclear whether or not Apple can reach its goal. An OLED panel at the iPad's size costs about $500 and may not drop significantly by the time Apple would hope to launch the new model. The LCD in the hardware currently costs no more than $70.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2008
Really necessary?
The IPS screen in the current iPad is beautiful...better than than my 13" MBP even. I don't see the need for OLED other than the battery life gains.