Apple is testing LG Innotek’s chip-on-film (CoF) technology for future iPad Pro OLED displays, potentially enabling slimmer bezels and better power efficiency.
Apple’s Future iPad Pros Could Get Slimmer Bezels, Thanks to LG’s CoF Tech
Apple might finally be giving those thick iPad Pro bezels a diet, thanks to LG Innotek’s chip-on-film (CoF) technology, which is under consideration for future OLED iPad Pro models, according to a report from The Elec.
What’s This Chip-on-Film Magic?
CoF (chip-on-film) is a compact display tech that uses heat-compressed flexible film to attach display driver ICs (integrated circuits) directly to the edge of the panel. Translation? It makes screen integration more efficient, allowing Apple to tighten the bezels without losing screen size. Think: same-size iPad, more display real estate, and maybe even better battery life to boot.
This hardware tango doesn’t stop there. LX Semicon, a South Korean chipmaker, is currently being reviewed by Apple as a possible provider of the display driver IC that would work alongside LG’s CoF. A decision on LX Semicon is expected by the end of this month. If greenlit, it could signal a major shift in Apple’s display supply chain strategy.
Apple’s OLED Supply Chain Is Getting a Refresh
Right now, Apple relies solely on Samsung System LSI for its OLED iPad Pro display driver ICs. But with LX Semicon possibly joining the party, Apple could benefit from lower component costs and less dependence on a single supplier. This is classic Tim Cook supply chain kung fu.
Although neither report names a specific iPad model, DigiTimes adds that these changes are directly tied to the iPad Pro lineup.
What’s Next for iPad Pro?
Beyond display tech, the future of iPad Pro looks wild. Rumors point to:
- An M5 chip coming in late 2025
- A landscape-oriented Apple logo (for those who finally gave up on portrait mode)
- Apple’s first in-house 5G modem by 2027
- And wait for it… a massive 18.8-inch foldable iPad Pro possibly landing in 2027 (imagine folding your screen like a taco).
Related: Apple Testing Solid-State Buttons for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch
Final Thought: Slimmer, Smarter, and Way More Flexible?
Whether or not LG Innotek and LX Semicon get the green light, one thing’s clear—Apple’s not playing it safe with the iPad Pro’s future. If CoF tech makes the cut, we could be looking at sleeker devices, more energy-efficient displays, and maybe even room for an extra emoji on the home screen.
Comments