According to The Elec, Apple is developing OLED panels without polarizers. Removing the polarizer on the panel will allow them to be made thinner, which makes them more optimal for foldable panels, the article says.
A polarizing film is an optical film that allows the display to show its image by controlling the amount of light. One drawback of polarizer films is that they tend to reduce brightness and, in turn, the luminance efficiency of the panel. As MacRumors notes, to offset this, manufacturers usually increase the power consumption delivered to the panel, but this can reduce their lifespan.
An April report that that Apple is working with LG to develop a foldable OLED display panel with “ultra-thin” cover glass for future iPhones, iPads, and Mac laptops.LG unveiled a 17-inch foldable panel at CES earlier this year. At the time, the company said the new panel supports touch and stylus and was aimed at notebooks, tablets and monitors.
There have been rumors of foldable iPhones and iPads. I’ve been dubious, but Apple has filed for, and/or been granted, several patents for foldable devices.
