In a surprising turn of events, Samsung is stepping back from the negotiation table with Apple regarding OLED panel supply for the much-anticipated iPhone SE 4. With the Korean tech giant bowing out over pricing disputes, the spotlight shifts to Chinese display innovators, who are now poised to clinch the coveted display orders for the next-gen iPhone SE, a revelation brought to light by a recent IT Home insight.
The narrative takes an intriguing twist with BOE, a Chinese tech behemoth, emerging as the frontrunner to adorn the iPhone SE 4 with its OLED prowess. Initially in a tight race with Samsung, BOE has seemingly taken the lead, particularly as Samsung hit the brakes on discussions due to Apple’s steadfast price point expectations. Apple’s quest for affordability at $25 per unit diverged from Samsung’s $30 quotation, paving the path for BOE to step into the limelight.
With Tianma also in the fray, the competition narrows, yet BOE’s superior quality and compliance with Apple’s cost metrics seemingly tip the scales in its favor. Should the stars align for BOE, an impressive contract to supply approximately 15 million OLED panels for the iPhone SE 4 could be on the horizon.
This strategic shift in display sourcing hints at a broader trend of cost-efficiency, as the upcoming iPhone SE 4’s OLED panel will leverage existing technology footprints, echoing the designs of yesteryear’s iPhone 14 and iPhone 13. The significant leap from a 4.7-inch LCD to a 6.1-inch OLED screen marks a pivotal evolution in the iPhone SE’s design ethos.
Projected to mirror the aesthetic and functional blueprint of the base iPhone 14 model, the iPhone SE 4 stands on the brink of a design revolution. This iteration is anticipated to bid farewell to the iconic Home button, embracing Face ID and a seamless all-screen facade, possibly even debuting Apple’s in-house 5G modems in a commercial setting.
By Andrej Kovacevic
Updated on 23rd April 2024