Apple is reportedly planning a significant upgrade to its iPhone display technology by 2028, with discussions underway to incorporate tandem OLED panels—marketed by Apple as Ultra Retina XDR—into future models.
Apple is in talks with suppliers for next-gen display
According to South Korean tech publication TheElec, Apple is currently in discussions with major display suppliers LG and Samsung about implementing tandem OLED displays in its iPhone line-up beginning in 2028. While no agreements have been finalised, the report suggests Apple is working with a two-year preparation window to ready the technology for mass production and integration.
Tandem OLED panels differ from the single-stack OLED displays used in current iPhone models. The newer panels feature two stacked OLED layers, allowing them to deliver superior brightness, colour accuracy, and contrast. Apple first introduced this technology under the name “Ultra Retina XDR” with the launch of its iPad Pro (M4) in 2024.
Tandem OLED: brighter, sharper, more vibrant
The Ultra Retina XDR display offers up to 1,000 nits of brightness for standard dynamic range (SDR) content and up to 1,600 nits for high dynamic range (HDR) content. This increase in brightness is accompanied by deeper blacks, improved colour accuracy, and a much broader dynamic range, creating a more immersive visual experience.
In a hands-on review of the iPad Pro (M4), the new panel technology earned praise for its sharpness and vivid colour reproduction. Compared with previous iPad Pro models using mini-LED displays, the tandem OLED display was noted for significantly reducing blooming. In this effect, bright elements bleed into dark areas, especially noticeable in high-contrast and dark mode settings.
Given these benefits, moving the technology to iPhones could represent a major leap forward in visual performance for Apple’s smartphone users.
Display upgrade could redefine iPhone visuals
Apple’s current iPhone models use single-stack OLED displays, which have generally offered high-quality visuals but are now facing limitations compared to what the new tandem OLED panels can achieve. With the dual-layer structure of tandem OLEDs, future iPhones could deliver brighter images with better power efficiency and reduced screen degradation over time.
While the transition to this technology remains a few years away, its potential inclusion in the iPhone line-up demonstrates Apple’s ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile display quality. If the reported timeline holds, the Ultra Retina XDR could become a defining feature of the 2028 iPhones.
