Apple is reportedly testing new screen technologies for the iPhone at a secret lab in Taiwan

We've heard various stories about Apple testing OLED screens for future iPhone models. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says not to expect an AMOLED screen on the iPhone until 2019 at the earliest. Despite some reports that claim Apple will be employing an OLED screen on some of its iOS powered devices next year, Kuo's track record has earned him a great deal of respect among those who follow Apple closely. In other words, if he says that Apple will stick with LCD for the next three years, then you shouldn't expect any other material on an iPhone screen until 2019.

But even if Kuo is right, it doesn't mean that Apple isn't hard at work testing out new materials for the iPhone's display. According to Bloomberg, Apple has opened a secret lab in Northern Taiwan where at least 50 engineers are working on new panels for Apple's iconic smartphone. The engineers' task is to build a lighter, brighter screen that is more energy efficient than the current glass employed on the iPhone and iPad.

Interestingly, today's report claims that the lab is first working on ways to build a better LCD screen before it starts moving on to OLED panels. Apple is looking to develop fresh techniques for producing a new screen, so that it can stop relying on technology developed by big display houses like LG Display, Japan Display, Samsung and Sharp.

Instead, Apple is hoping to eventual outsource its production technique to a smaller company like AU Optronics and Innolux. Apple is throwing money and manpower at this project; the company does have some job postings on LinkedIn, looking for more engineers to work at the display panel facilities.

source: Bloomberg