Apple’s Secret Laboratory in Taiwan Working On Thinner, Brighter Screens

According to a recent report from Bloomberg, Apple Inc. has opened a production laboratory in Longtan, northern Taiwan where engineers are developing new display technologies. The lab reportedly has at least 50 engineers and other workers building new screens for devices including iPhones and iPads, sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg.

“Engineers are developing more-advanced versions of the liquid-crystal displays currently used in iPhones, iPads and Mac personal computers, the people said. Apple also is keen to move to organic light-emitting diodes, which are even thinner and don’t require a backlight”, Bloomberg reported.

As to why the Cupertino company is keeping mum about the facility is not known. Bloomberg said the receptionist, small group of workers with Apple ID badges and even guards at the outside security post declined to provide any details. Only an Apple logo and an iMac displaying Apple’s standard visitor registration screen indicated Apple’s presence.

The iPhone maker began operating the lab this year as it aims to make products thinner, lighter, brighter and more energy-efficient. Bloomberg reported records from the Hsinchu Science Park management office, which manages the Longtan facility, that show Apple moved into the factory in April. Also, the company last amended its Taiwan registration in October and it now shows the Longtan address as the headquarters of Taiwan Apple LLC.

According to Nikkei Asian Review, Apple plans to shift iPhone screens from LCD to OLED in 2018. 9To5Mac conjectures that this could be what Apple is working on in its new Taiwan lab.