Next iPad Pro Features Ultra-Slim Bezels and All-Screen Design Powered by LG’s Chip-On-Film Technology for Improved Battery Life

Apple’s M4 iPad Pro made its debut over a year ago, yet an upgrade remains elusive. This could change with the anticipated introduction of the next-generation M5 chip, which is projected to launch with the upcoming MacBook Pro models later this year. Many hope that this new chip will also enhance the iPad Pro line. In addition to the performance upgrades, Apple is exploring new design elements for the iPad Pro, including the possibility of adopting LG Innotek’s innovative chip-on-film (CoF) technology to reduce bezel sizes.

LG’s Chip-on-Film Technology: A Game Changer for iPad Pro Design

While it’s uncertain whether Apple will undergo a design overhaul after just one generation of the iPad Pro, such a change is becoming increasingly essential. The design across all iPad models has remained largely consistent, leading to the iPad Pro losing its distinctiveness. Although the current M4 iPad Pro is notably thinner than other models in the series, the front design does not showcase this difference prominently. In comparison, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is already sporting much slimmer bezels, emphasizing the need for Apple to innovate.

According to a report from The Elec, Apple is expected to make a decision regarding LX Semicon’s display driver integrated circuit this month, which would complement the CoF technology from LG. For those unfamiliar with CoF, this method connects the display driver chips to the screens using heat compression on flexible films. This technology allows for more efficient control of individual pixels through thin-film transistors.

By integrating these components more closely, the display can achieve significantly reduced bezels, thereby maximizing screen space while maintaining the overall device size. There are additional advantages stemming from this collaboration, which could include enhanced battery life and improved signal processing, though specific details remain sparse at this point.

Historically, Apple has relied solely on Samsung System LSI for their display driver ICs within the OLED iPad Pro. Including LG as a potential supplier would not only diversify Apple’s supply chain but might also lead to cost reductions for components in the long term. While the report does not confirm that this CoF technology is explicitly destined for the iPad Pro, DigiTimes mentions that the technology is intended for ‘Pro’ models. Do you believe Apple will take the leap to revamp the design for the M5 iPad Pro?

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