Apple will use indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) panels for the production of their new MacBook Pro models after Q1 2017. The Cupertino-based tech giant will still be using the current panels.
It is a known fact that Apple is still not using OLED panels for their MacBook and MacBook Pro models. The tech company is currently using a-SI TFT-LCD panels which are not as clear and efficient as IGZO panels.
Apple will be continuing to use the TFT panels until the first quarter ends. IHS told Digitimes that Apple will be using the IGZO TFT-LCD panels that will be sourced from Samsung Display and Sharp. In addition, the company is expected to procure fewer notebook panels this year compared to last year with only more than 13 million.
There have already been rumors of iPhones using OLED panels in 2017 although there has been no official word yet. It would help the iPhone 8, iPad Pro 2 and other future devices to have more battery life. OLED panels only light up where needed which means darker screens save more juice.
IGZO, on the other hand, is still better than the current a-SI standard. It also helps in less power consumption thanks to the increased electron mobility. DisplayMate President Raymond Soneira told Mac Rumors that IGZO also has brighter screens but it is also costlier to manufacture.
Soneira added that IGZO, or Metal Oxide, can have higher pixel density counts and wider color gamuts. In other words, MacBook Pro users will get the most benefit from the shift. However, there are some downsides to the change such as smaller battery size to accommodate the new panel.
Apple has no comment on the IGZO issue and supply changes do not really warrant an announcement from the company. The new MacBook Pro IGZO displays are expected to surface after Q1 2017.
Watch a review of the MacBook Pro below: