Not all display panels are created the same. We usually see terms like LCD and OLED thrown around a lot, but even within them, there are subtle differences. Now, it is expected that Apple will equip its iPhone 18 Pro series with OLED panels this year, but now a new rumor suggests that the iPhone 18 Pro could sport more advanced displays compared to the previous year .

iPhone 18 Pro to feature more advanced displays

For a bit of context, many modern-day smartphones use OLED displays. However, there are some differences among the various types of OLED displays. Older phones with OLED displays tend to use LTPS technology. This results in phones with fixed refresh rates or only the ability to switch between one or the other.

Modern-day smartphones feature OLED displays with LTPO tech, which allows refresh rates as low as 1Hz, perfect for static content, and it is also a great way to save battery life. However, for the iPhone 18 Pro series, Apple is rumored to use more advanced displays, which come in the form of LTPO+ .

So, what’s with the switch-up? In case you haven’t heard, the rumors claim that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max could debut an in-display Face ID system . This is versus the previous-generation iPhones, which relied on the Dynamic Island cutout. By using LTPO+, it allows Apple to use under-display infrared technology. This in turn allows Face ID to be placed behind the OLED.

Samsung and LG to get all of Apple’s business

Apple’s request to use LTPO+ technology is good news for Samsung and LG. It turns out that only Samsung and LG are capable of manufacturing these types of displays. In the past, Apple would also source their displays from Chinese manufacturer BOE. However, since apparently BOE doesn’t have the capabilities to produce OLED with LTPO+, all of Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max orders will go to Samsung and LG.

This doesn’t mean that BOE is being left out in the cold. Apple’s lower-end iPhones also use OLED technology, so BOE could still get orders for those devices. That being said, it should be noted that for 2026, Apple is only expected to launch three new iPhone models. This includes the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone .

As for the base iPhone 18, the latest rumors suggest it could be launching in early 2027 instead .