A thinner and more efficient CoE display era at Apple
According to UBI Research, Apple plans to transition to CoE display technology, which provides higher efficiency, in its iPhone Pro models in 2029.
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It has been suggested that Apple is preparing to change the display architecture in its high-end iPhone Pro models expected to be introduced in 2029. According to a report shared by UBI Research, the company is considering bringing "Color Filter on Encapsulation" (CoE) technology, which removes the polarizer layer found in traditional OLED panels, to mass-produced iPhone Pro models.
The technology in question aims to make the panel thinner and more efficient by placing the color filter on top of the display's encapsulation layer. This change is intended to increase the display's light transmittance, reduce power consumption, and create additional space inside the device for components such as the battery and camera.
The report states that the CoE structure could increase light transmittance by 33 percent and provide energy savings of up to 25 percent. These gains are seen as a significant advantage, especially for outdoor use requiring high brightness and for battery life.
WHAT WILL COE TECHNOLOGY PROVIDE?
The polarizer layer used in OLED displays reduces reflections from the external environment while also blocking a portion of the light produced by the panel. The CoE approach removes this layer from the equation, allowing more light to reach the user. A similar method was previously used by Samsung in the Galaxy Z Fold3 model under the name Eco2 OLED.
However, removing the polarizer also brings new challenges in terms of display engineering. Additional optimizations are required in areas such as controlling external reflections, color accuracy, viewing angles, and outdoor readability. For this reason, it is stated that Apple is targeting the 2029 calendar for bringing the technology to the iPhone Pro series.
On the supply chain side, Samsung Display and LG Display are expected to be the primary panel manufacturers in the initial phase. It is reported that BOE could also be included in the process if it meets Apple's quality standards. UBI Research points out that an annual panel demand of 90 to 100 million units could carry CoE technology to a much larger scale beyond foldable devices.
There has been no official statement from Apple regarding the matter. Therefore, the 2029 timeline and technical details are currently considered expectations based on supply chain reports.