Last year, Apple had a choice: a high refresh rate screen or 5G? It chose to support next-gen networks, so the iPhone 12 family ended up with 60Hz displays. That will change for at least two of the iPhone 13 models, analysts say.
Elec quote UBI Research that the Samsung Display factory line A3, which was dedicated to supplying Apple with LTPS OLED panels, will be converted to produce LTPO panels instead.
LTPO was originally developed for the Apple Watch because it allows precise control of the frame rate (unlike LTPS) and uses less power to start. The downside is that these newer panels are more difficult to manufacture.
That is why the capacity of the A3 line will increase from 105,000 panels per month (like last year) to 70,000 per month, once the conversion is completed in the first half of this year.
This analyst report does not cover details on refresh rates for the iPhone 13 series. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, however, the Pro and Pro Max will have 120Hz displays, the vanilla 12 and the 12 mini will need. probably stay at 60Hz for another year. Also, Pro models may have perforations instead of notches.
When can we expect the iPhone 13 series? According to Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, Apple will revert to its usual launch schedule in September after the pandemic pushed back the unveiling from last year to October.
Nothing is set in stone, however. Apple may adjust the schedule as it puts the finishing touches on new models and the supply chain begins to ramp up production. So there is still a possibility that the launch event will be pushed back from the third week of September to early October.
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