Apple is quietly working on a new iPad Pro upgrade, not with a major design overhaul, but with something that’s easy to miss and surprisingly useful: slimmer bezels. According to a new report from South Korea’s The Elec, Apple is considering using LG Innotek’s chip-on-film (CoF) technology in its next-gen OLED iPad Pro models, and the benefits go beyond just looks.
What Is CoF Technology and Why Is Apple Interested?
Chip-on-film (CoF) is a smart way of connecting display driver chips to the screen using flexible film and heat compression. This method takes up less space along the display’s edges. In simple terms, it helps make the bezels thinner without shrinking the screen.
That means the next iPad Pro could offer:
- More screen space in the same-sized body
- A sleeker look with edge-to-edge visuals
- Potentially better battery life, since CoF can be more efficient at sending signals to control the display
Apple May Diversify Beyond Samsung
Right now, Apple uses Samsung System LSI chips to drive the displays in its OLED iPads. But that could change soon. Reports say Apple is testing display driver ICs from LX Semicon, which would work with LG’s CoF tech.
Here’s why that’s interesting:
- It reduces dependence on Samsung
- It could lower component costs by adding more suppliers
- It opens the door for tighter competition and innovation in Apple’s display components
What Model Will Get This First?
Apple hasn’t officially confirmed which iPad will get the new display tech, but signs point toward the iPad Pro lineup.
According to DigiTimes, the testing of LX Semicon parts is tied specifically to the iPad Pro series. It’s also worth noting that Apple is already planning other big Pro upgrades for late 2025 and beyond, including:
- A possible M5 chip in the second half of 2025
- Landscape-oriented Apple logos, which suggest Apple is leaning into horizontal use
- An Apple-designed 5G modem in 2027
- And even a foldable 18.8-inch iPad Pro, rumored to launch sometime in or after 2027
Why This Matters for Everyday Users
Slimmer bezels may sound like a small change, but they make a real difference:
- You get more room for drawing, watching, or multitasking
- It helps the device look and feel more modern and immersive
- It could significantly improve battery life
And for Apple, switching display tech also means more control over the supply chain, which often leads to better availability and pricing down the line.
Final Thoughts
Apple’s next iPad Pro isn’t being redesigned from scratch, but the company seems focused on refining the details that matter, slimmer bezels, smarter internals, and potentially a better display experience overall.
The exact model and release date are still unknown, but all signs suggest we’ll see these changes start appearing as early as late 2025.
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