Apple’s upcoming low-cost iPhone SE 4 was previously reported to feature the same manufacturing process used to construct the rear panel of the iPhone 16, but that does not mean that the company will add the newest hardware for the rest of the device. One report states that the display will be several generations old, re-using the iPhone 13 OLED panel and downgrading the specifications to reduce production costs. Here are all the details that you have been wanting to know.
BOE will likely supply Apple with the majority of iPhone SE 4 panels, with LG possibly getting added to the supply chain as a secondary manufacturer
Samsung and BOE were previously said to be embroiled in a pricing skirmish, with the Chinese display maker reportedly winning the battle as it seemingly outpriced its Korean competitor by accepting Apple’s $25 bid per OLED, which Samsung could not entertain, likely due to negligible margins. However, alongside BOE, The Elec reports that LG will be added as a second vendor for the iPhone SE 4 displays but is expected to supply display units for legacy iPhone models. Mass production of the low-cost model was previously said to commence in October, but the actual launch will probably happen in early 2025.
While the retail price of the iPhone SE 4 was not mentioned in the report, it does state that apart from re-purposing the iPhone 13 OLED panels, Apple will lower the display specifications to reduce the production cost. This can mean that in addition to lacking ProMotion support, the iPhone SE 4 screen may also produce less accurate colors and sport a lower overall brightness, which can compromise the user experience. BOE is said to supply 20 million OLED units, which is a healthy figure, considering that the iPhone SE 4 was never intended to be a ‘home run’ product for Apple.
Tianma, a European display maker, has attempted to appease Apple into making it an iPhone SE 4 supplier, but it is unlikely that it will be added to the supply chain this early. The reason is that Tianma is behind other display manufacturers in technological prowess, leaving a ton of opportunity for the likes of BOE to take advantage of.
News Source: The Elec
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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