Future iPhones may feature next-gen HMO display technology

Apple has been using LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) display technology since the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which debuted back in 2022. This tech allows a screen to dynamically adjust its refresh rate very efficiently to as low as 1Hz, helping save significant battery life while enabling features like ProMotion (up to 120Hz) and Always-on Display (AOD).

According to a new report by South Korean publication ET News, Apple may adopt a new display tech called HMO (High-Mobility Oxide) for its future iPhones.

Understanding HMO display technology

According to the report, the Cupertino giant has opted for HMO as the technology to succeed LTPO and is currently developing it. HMO is connected to the thin-film transistors (TFTs) that control how pixels work on a screen.

Current TFT technologies include a-Si, LTPS and oxide, each offering different strengths for power efficiency and resolution. LTPO became popular because it balances high resolution with low power consumption. HMO aims to push oxide TFTs further by improving electron mobility, which has been their main limitation. Higher mobility allows faster signal processing, leading to better performance in high-resolution displays.

HMO is also said to offer lower power use and reduced manufacturing costs compared to LTPO. Apple is reportedly discussing the technology with Korean display makers, hinting at potential use in future small and medium OLED screens for mobile and IT devices.

When would iPhones arrive with HMO display?

While LTPO technology was developed by LG Display, its adoption by Apple for its iPhones and smartwatches led to a boom, with several Android smartphone brands now offering LTPO OLED panel phones even at very affordable prices.

Apple applied for LTPO panels back in 2014, and it was first seen on the Watch 4 series in 2018, followed by the iPhone 14 Pro Max in 2022.

Therefore, it may take a few years before HMO panels appear on Apple products. While it may take some time for Apple to adopt it, once it does, Android smartphone manufacturers may also join the bandwagon and launch HMO display Android phones.

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Stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma for all the updates about next-generation iPhones.