Apple’s plans for IGZO display integration to extend to 2014 MacBooks?

Over the past few years, several reports have claimed that Apple is in talks with display makers like Sharp to implement IGZO screens inside of iOS Devices like iPads and iPhones. As thin and light devices, it makes sense that Apple would want to implement the ultra-thin and power efficient IGZO panels. At IFA Berlin last year, we had some hands-on time with an IGZO display, and we explained the benefits for small devices:

They can be built with under a 2 mm bezel. That means companies like Apple will be able to increase the size of displays on mobile devices while keeping the overall size of the device as compact as possible.

We also discussed the pluses in terms of power efficiency:

Sharp was showing off the benefits of low-power consumption with its IGZO displays by demoing the technology’s ability to consume one-fifth to one-tenth of the power consumed by a-Si displays. IGZO consumes less power for both backlight and driving the panel itself, allowing for longer lasting and smaller batteries in mobile devices.

Today, Korea IT News reports that talks between Apple and display manufactures for iPads based on IGZO displays are continuing. More surprising for the imminent product roadmap, however, are claims that Apple will also extend the technology to MacBook displays in the first half of 2014. Over the past few years, with the new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, Apple has touted its ability to ship ultra-thin, high-resolution panels in its notebooks. IGZO displays, for the reasons explained above, could take this to the next level.

Also interesting in today’s report is that LG is apparently readying IGZO panels for Apple. This would seemingly be the first evidence of LG’s foray into IGZO display production.

Accordingly, Sharp is sinking its teeth into raising the production of IGZO panels; LG Display is upgrading its AM OLED and LCD production lines to ones capable of rolling out IGZO panels.

Sharp, who is currently a leader in IGZO display production, is also (unsurprisingly) still involved with Apple. Apple tends to want multiple part suppliers involved when it is building new products, so perhaps Apple has pushed its partner to help out on the IGZO end.