Two cationic Ir(III) complexes bearing 2-phenylpyridinato cyclometalating ligands and bithiazole-type ancillary ligands have been synthesized and optoelectronically characterised. These emitters exhibit unusually deep red-to-near-infrared emission at room temperature, thereby rendering them as attractive emitters in solution-processed light emitting electrochemical cell (LEEC) electroluminescent devices.