hello. This is Technologytodaynow. Apple has been reportedly working with China’s BOE to reduce the cost of manufacturing iPhones and reduce dependence on Samsung and LG displays for iPhone 17 display suppliers.
However, the supply of BOE to the main series will still be difficult due to the issue of spec upgrade and manufacturing difficulty.
iPhone 17 Display, BOE Supply Will Still Be Difficult
BOE, iPhone 17 Display Supply Difficulties
According to a report by Phone Arena, BOE is unlikely to be effectively excluded from the display supply of the iPhone 17 series. Apple plans to apply LTPO OLED to all models of the iPhone 17 series.
- LTPO OLED is the first display introduced on the iPhone 13 Pro and will support 120Hz promotional displays up to iPhone 17 base and slim models.
- It seems that it is difficult for BOE to supply LTPO OLED because LTPO OLED has higher manufacturing difficulty than conventional LTPS OLED.
In the end, Samsung Display and LG Display are likely to take charge of the iPhone 17’s display supply as before.
LG Display Prepares to Produce iPhone Display
If this happens, Samsung Display and LG Display will continue to supply OLEDs for iPhones, and BOE’s supplies will be added or refurbished in the future. According to a report by Digital Times, LG Display plans to convert its OLED production line for tablet PCs to one for smartphones to increase OLED panel production for smartphones.
Tendum OLED on the M4 iPad Pro is supplied by LG Display, but low sales of iPad Pro, postponement of introduction of MacBook OLED, and planned volume issues of BOE have increased the possibility of LG Display focusing on iPhone production.
Next-Generation LTPO Technology Applies to iPhone 17 Pro Lineup
In the future, Apple plans to apply next-generation LTPO technology such as LTPO Plus to iPhones, and this iPhone 17 Pro lineup will also feature LTPO improvements with more power efficiency. The future supply situation of BOE is still uncertain, but there are still supplies for refurbishment or some possibilities, and I wonder how BOE’s supplies will change in the future.
Samsung and LG’s role expected to continue
Due to the application of LTPO OLEDs, which are highly technically challenging for the iPhone 17 series of displays, BOE’s supply is still likely to be difficult. Therefore, it is likely that Samsung and LG displays will become major suppliers. While changes in Apple’s display strategy and BOE’s participation in the future will be variables, the iPhone 17’s display is still expected to be centered on LG and Samsung’s technology.