Samsung Display is the sole supplier of OLED panels for all high-end iPhones starting with the iPhone X. This will continue next year as well. However, there have been reports that Samsung Display and LG Display are suggesting that Apple use OLED displays with Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology for iPhone 16 models.

What is Micro Lens Array (MLA) display technology?

Micro Lens Array (MLA) is a display technology that uses microscopic lenses to increase the brightness and energy efficiency of OLED displays. The lenses are placed between the glass and the OLED panel and help direct light from the panel that would normally be lost due to internal reflection. This results in a brighter screen with lower power consumption.

But this technology also has a trade-off. MLA can also narrow the viewing angle of OLED displays. This is because the micro lens inside the screen focuses the light in a specific direction, which can make viewing the screen difficult from certain angles.

Does the iPhone 16 series have a Micro Lens Array (MLA) display?

According to the report TheElecThere are two reasons why Samsung Display and LG Display recommend Apple to use MLA technology for the iPhone 16 series.

First, the OLED materials developed by the two companies may not yet meet Apple’s standards. Even if OLED materials are not yet as efficient as Apple would like, MLA technology can help increase the brightness of the screen.

The second reason is that MLA technology can help Samsung Display and LG Display widen the gap with their Chinese competitors BOE. BOE is one of the late entrants to the OLED market and is trying to produce OLED panels that meet Apple’s requirements. If Apple implements MLA technology for the iPhone 16 series and BOE cannot implement this technology, this will give Samsung and LG Display a significant advantage. And the BOE will be left behind.

Apple’s decision to use MLA technology for the iPhone 16 series depends on whether the efficiency of the OLED kit can be increased before mass production begins in the second half of 2024.

The application of MLA can be considered reasonable if the amount of light sent to the front of the panel can be kept at a level that will at least reduce power consumption without narrowing the field of view. However, this depends on the performance of the OLED material set, which is said to be different for the two domestic panel companies.

MLA is a new display technology still included in some Samsung and LG devices. Samsung has used MLA in their S-Ultra smartphone models, while LG has used it in some OLED TVs.

But in this case AppleIn response to the proposal to implement MLA for OLED panels, the brand requested two domestic panel companies to focus on improving the efficiency of the OLED material set. iPhone 16. The final decision is expected to take time.