Novatek to Supply Display Driver ICs for Ultra-Thin iPhone 17

Novatek to Supply Display Driver ICs for Ultra-Thin iPhone 17DigiTimes reported yesterday that Novatek will supply display driver ICs (DDICs) for Apple's ultra-thin iPhone 17, which has been rumored to be called Air or Slim.Novatek announced plans to mass-produce its anticipated OLED TDDI technology as early as the second quarter of 2025

Novatek to Supply Display Driver ICs for Ultra-Thin iPhone 17

DigiTimes reported yesterday that Novatek will supply display driver ICs (DDICs) for Apple's ultra-thin iPhone 17, which has been rumored to be called Air or Slim.

Novatek announced plans to mass-produce its anticipated OLED TDDI technology as early as the second quarter of 2025. While industry insiders remain silent about potential end customers, speculation suggests that Novateks proposed delivery timeline aligns with the release of the next generation iPhone screens in 2025.

Novatek is targeting Chinese flagship models to be released by the end of 2025 or Samsung devices launching in early 2026, so increasing delivery capacity in the second quarter of 2025 is unnecessary. This makes Apple a highly likely major customer.

About Novatek

Novatek Microelectronics Corp. was founded in 1997 and is a semiconductor IC design company focusing on the research and development of intelligent imaging and intelligent display technologies. The companys main products include flat panel display driver ICs and digital audio and video, multimedia single-chip products for mobile devices and consumer electronics.

About iPhone 17 Air

The iPhone 17 Air, upon release, is expected to be Apple's thinnest iPhone. It is likely to feature the latest A19 Pro chip, promising significant performance improvements. However, camera capabilities might be compromised, particularly in the configuration of the telephoto and ultra-wide-angle lenses, potentially lacking compared to other models.

Novatek's Partnership with Apple

Novatek supplying display driver ICs for Apple signifies the tech giant's pursuit of thinner and lighter iPhone designs while maintaining high performance. Novateks OLED TDDI technology enables lower power consumption and smaller display sizes, contributing to Apples design goals.

Significance for Apple and Novatek

For Apple, partnering with Novatek ensures that the ultra-thin iPhone 17 will have high-quality display driver ICs, fulfilling its requirements for thin design and high performance. It also suggests that Apple is seeking diversified supply chains, reducing reliance on existing vendors.

For Novatek, securing Apple's order will have a significant impact on its business growth, boosting its competitiveness in the display driver IC market and providing a strong foundation for its future development.

Conclusion

Novatek supplying display driver ICs for the ultra-thin iPhone 17 indicates that Apple is actively exploring new design and technological paths to address user demand for thinner, lighter, and more portable devices. This collaboration also reflects Apple's emphasis on diversified supply chains and its pursuit of high-quality display driver ICs. The future development of Novatek's partnership with Apple and its impact on the smartphone market will be worth continuing to watch.