Apple's iPhone 16 could get a major OLED upgrade next year, and for that we may have Samsung to thank.

The Elec (via MacRumors) reports that Samsung Display, a subsidiary of Samsung, is working on a new OLED material set called M14 for inclusion in the iPhone 16 model. The Elec is reporting that Ubi Research analyst Daejeong Yoon, citing a research report from Ubi Research, says the set, a series of components used to build OLED screens, will replace blue fluorescent technology with blue phosphorescent technology, creating a more power efficient screen.

Yoon added that Samsung had hoped to introduce this technology into foldable phones, but found it too difficult and focused on standard phones instead. [In fact, Samsung Display is currently supplying displays for the iPhone 15 lineup. Rumors have been swirling for years that Apple is moving away from its rivals as a supplier of smartphone panels. Instead, Apple could use microLED displays in future iPhones. Of course, Apple has not commented on such plans, and it is unclear when or even if it might happen.

Regardless, the iPhone 16's screen has generated considerable interest over the past several months. Apple is rumored to be considering a larger screen size for the iPhone 16, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max having a 6.9-inch display compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max's 6.7-inch screen. In addition, Apple is said to be adding new microlens technology to the device's screen for increased brightness.

A brighter screen can consume more power, which may explain Apple's interest in technology to make the display more power efficient; Tom's Guide battery tests show that all four iPhone 15 models outperform the average smartphone, especially the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Plus ranked in our Best Smartphone Battery Life list. Apple is probably hoping that future iPhone models will have the same long-lasting charge.

As is typical of Apple, the company has not confirmed any of the rumors. But that hasn't stopped the rumor mill from stirring reports about a new chipset and improved camera that is reportedly being developed for the iPhone 16 lineup. A Capture button to trigger the phone's camera may also be in development, and the iPhone 16 Pro may feature the tetra prismatic zoom lens that debuted on the iPhone 15 Pro Max this fall. A high-end iPhone 16 Ultra model may also be in the works.

With a few months to go before Apple announces the iPhone 16, more rumors will be flying around. Just don't expect Apple to say anything about them.