All iPhone 12 models to have OLED panels, no charger or EarPods in the box, says report

Apple is expected to unveil its flagship iPhone 12 series later this year, and a lot of details about them have emerged through the form of leaks. The Cupertino giant is reportedly planning to release four models in the lineup, with two of them donning the Pro moniker. The phones might come in three sizes – one 5.4-inch model, two 6.1-inch models, and a top-of-the-line 6.7-inch version.

Now, a new report from Japan-based publication Nikkei (spotted by 9to5Mac) suggests that all four models will come with an OLED display supplied by Samsung Display. Until last year, the company offered OLED displays only on its premium ‘Pro’ models, while the more affordable iPhone 11 and the iPhone XR came with LCD displays. Interestingly, the company decided against sourcing displays from other vendors such as from China-based ‘BOE Technology’ as its offerings are still under certification to ensure it meets the firm’s standards.

The move to OLED displays for all the models will also impact LCD supplier Japan Display, as that supplier is expected to see a huge drop in revenue owing to the iPhone company’s moves. However, Eric Chiou, a veteran display analyst with TrendForce says that the Japanese company will not “die suddenly” as it will still supply LCD panels to Apple for not “only in its old models but also its more cost-effective models”.

As for BOE, that company already is a supplier for MacBook and iPads and could supply OLED displays for the iPhone 12 post the certification of its panels. It is also not clear if the ‘Pro’ models come with 120Hz high refresh rate displays, as recent rumors point towards the likelihood that the company might reserve the feature for next year’s phones.

In addition to the display specifics, Nikkei also corroborated the previous reports about the lack of a power brick and EarPods in the in-box accessories for the upcoming smartphones. A source in the know of Apple’s plans adds that the reason for the exclusion is not only cost benefits but also because many users that upgrade their phones already own chargers. The company is expected to tout environmental benefits and will also offer users the option to buy the rumored 20W fast charger.