What is Tandem OLED?

Learn about Tandem OLED technology, its benefits, how it works, and its applications, including its use in the Ultra Retina XDR display on the newest iPad Pro.

What is Tandem OLED?

Tandem OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) is an advanced display technology used in some Apple products that stack multiple layers of OLED materials to improve performance and longevity. Unlike traditional single-layer OLEDs, tandem OLEDs use two or more OLED layers, each contributing to the overall light emission.

Why is Tandem OLED Used?

Tandem OLED technology is used to address some of the limitations of conventional OLED displays, such as lower brightness and shorter lifespan. By stacking multiple OLED layers, tandem OLED displays can achieve higher brightness levels, better efficiency, and enhanced durability. This makes them suitable for high-performance applications where display quality and longevity are critical.

How Does Tandem OLED Work?

In a tandem OLED display, multiple OLED layers are stacked on top of each other. Each layer is capable of emitting light independently, but when combined, they produce a brighter and more efficient light output. The layers work together to reduce the current required for a given brightness, which in turn reduces the thermal load and extends the display’s lifespan. This multi-layer approach also improves colour accuracy and overall visual performance.

What is Tandem OLED Used In?

Tandem OLED technology is typically used in high-end devices that require superior display performance, such as premium smartphones, tablets, and professional monitors. For instance, Apple uses tandem OLED technology in the Ultra Retina XDR display of the iPad Pro (M4), delivering exceptional brightness, contrast, and colour accuracy. The technology’s ability to provide an optimal viewing experience while mitigating issues like burn-in makes it ideal for professional and consumer electronics where display quality is paramount.

iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) And Apple Pencil Pro
Tandem Display In iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

About the Ultra Retina XDR Display on iPad Pro (M4)

The Ultra Retina XDR display on iPad Pro (M4) is engineered to meet Apple’s high standards, featuring the best OLED display ever shipped in a device of its kind. It delivers High Dynamic Range (HDR) with high contrast and brightness, ProMotion and True Tone technologies for a responsive and natural viewing experience, ultra-low reflectivity, and a wide colour gamut for rich and vibrant colours.

Each display is carefully calibrated in the factory to ensure incredibly accurate colour and high brightness. The tandem OLED technology in this display includes advancements over traditional OLED displays, such as using two OLED panels to achieve extreme high brightness, wide colour support, and incredible colour accuracy. Special algorithms monitor pixel usage to reduce visual effects from burn-in and maintain a consistent viewing experience.