Apple’s upcoming iPad Pro could receive a significant design overhaul, courtesy of LG. 
The tech giant might be adopting LG Innotek’s advanced chip-on-film (CoF) technology for its OLED displays, which could result in noticeably thinner bezels and a more compact design, all while maintaining the same screen size.
This exciting development comes from a report by the Korean outlet The Elec, which suggests that Apple is set to approve or reject LX Semicon’s display driver IC this month. This chip will work in tandem with the CoF technology, potentially transforming the way iPads are designed.
The key innovation of CoF is its ability to attach display driver chips to the OLED panels using heat compression on flexible films. This allows signals to be transmitted efficiently to control individual pixels via thin-film transistors. The result is a more streamlined panel that integrates seamlessly with the edges of the device, paving the way for slimmer bezels and more screen space without changing the overall size of the tablet.
But that’s not all. This new setup could also lead to more power-efficient signal processing, which would contribute to longer battery life – though this aspect is not guaranteed. So far, Apple has relied on Samsung’s System LSI for its OLED display driver ICs in the iPad Pro, but a switch to LG could reduce costs and diversify Apple’s supply chain, benefiting consumers in the long run.
While the report doesn’t specify which iPad model will feature the new components, earlier reports have suggested that LX Semicon’s display driver IC is intended for the iPad Pro. These new iPad Pro models are expected to launch later this year, equipped with the new M5 chip. There are even rumors of future iPads featuring a landscape-oriented Apple logo, Apple’s own 5G modems, and possibly an 18.8-inch foldable iPad by 2027.
In my opinion, thinner bezels are a welcome change that will make the device feel more modern. And with LG and Samsung now competing for Apple’s display business, we could see faster innovations and better pricing. Here’s hoping!