The future iPhone models will have OLED screens manufactured by the Sharp company, bought by Foxconn just a few months ago. Although at the moment it seems that Samsung will have exclusivity in the production of OLED screens for the iPhone 8, those from Foxconn will have the opportunity in the future to deliver screens for the following iPhone models.
To make things even simpler, those from Sharp will install a production line of OLED screens for iPhone in a factory where iPhone terminals are assembled. Sharp, or rather Foxconn, will invest 860 million dollars to create this production line of OLED screens, the factory in Zhengzhou, the city of the iPhone, being chosen.
Although Foxconn invests a large amount of money in ensuring the production of OLED screens for future iPhone models, it will take some time until the line is ready. More precisely, it is estimated that only in 2018, or maybe even 2019, will the first OLED screens dedicated to the iPhone be produced, so they will only be used in the iPhone 8S or iPhone 9.
iPhone – Foxconn will supply OLED screens through Sharp
Those from Foxconn did not confirm the information, but they stated that they will publish a press release through which they will provide information regarding these rumors. Basically, Foxconn avoids saying yet whether it will produce OLED screens for future iPhones, but the reality is that it needs Apple's billions of dollars to justify its acquisition of Sharp.
"Sharp plans to invest JPY100 billion (US$864 million) to set up an OLED production line at Foxconn Electronics' factory in Zhengzhou City, northern China, with production to begin in 2019, according to Japan-based Nikkei. As Foxconn produces iPhones at the factory, the OLED capacity is believed to be specifically for supplying OLED panels for upcoming iPhone models."
Sharp is one of the largest producers of LCD screens for smartphones and tablets, and the acquisition made by Foxconn will expand the company's business. Of course, new investments are also needed to support the production of OLED screens, but those from Foxconn have enough resources to do everything and to receive Apple's orders.
