BOE has secured a place in Apple’s lucrative supply chain by mass producing LTPS panels for the less expensive iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 series, with the possibility that the manufacturer would be allowed a crack at making LTPO screens if it could find a workaround through its quality control issues. Unfortunately, a new report states that this is the very reason that could cost the Chinese display maker future orders from Apple, forcing the latter to consider alternatives.
Since the beginning of 2024, BOE has been operating at a snail’s pace, providing just 7-8 million iPhone OLED panels to Apple
An estimate from OLED-info that was spotted by MacRumors states that BOE was supposed to provide Apple with LTPS shipments comprising 40 million units from the beginning of 2024. Sadly, we are unaware of the production issues the manufacturer faces because BOE is only said to have fulfilled 7-8 million of those orders, which makes up a measly 20 percent of the entire shipment. Irrespective of the troubles the company is experiencing, it puts Apple in a tough spot, forcing it to look for more reliable partners.
As it turns out, Samsung and LG are already a part of the technology giant’s supply giant, as both firms are tasked with producing the more advanced LTPO OLED panels for the expensive ‘Pro’ iPhone models. In light of recent events, BOE may no longer receive display orders, with the rest of the shipments being undertaken by Samsung and LG. Unfortunately, this puts Apple at a disadvantage because, with one supplier out of the picture, it may have to pay its Korean partners a slight premium to deliver quality displays without unnecessary delay, increasing its components bill.
BOE has been unable to keep itself out of the spotlight. Back in 2022, we reported that Apple reportedly banned the manufacturer after it was caught cheating by trying to change the circuit of the iPhone 13’s display’s transistors to reduce its manufacturing bill. The ban was overturned, but with BOE failing to rectify its past errors, Apple may not be in a forgiving mood this time.
News Source: OLED-info
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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