Report: iPhone SE 4 to Feature BOE OLED Display Instead of Samsung

Rumors are swirling regarding the next iteration of Apple’s popular midrange smartphone, the iPhone SE 4, with reports indicating a notable shift in display suppliers. According to industry sources cited in a ZDNet Korea report, Chinese electronic component manufacturer BOE (Jingdongfang) has emerged as the frontrunner in securing the bid to manufacture OLED screens for the upcoming device. This development follows negotiations between Apple and three potential suppliers, including Samsung, BOE, and Tianma, to determine the most feasible display solution for the iPhone SE 4.

BOE’s successful bid is attributed to its competitive pricing strategy, which reportedly undercut the quotes provided by Samsung Display. Sources suggest that Samsung withdrew from the bidding process due to concerns over the business feasibility of supplying OLED displays for the iPhone SE 4. While Samsung quoted a price range of $35 to $40 per display unit, Chinese suppliers, including BOE, sought a lower price point of $30 per unit, making them more attractive candidates for Apple’s supply chain.

As a result, BOE is expected to play a pivotal role in supplying OLED displays for the iPhone SE 4, signaling a departure from Apple’s reliance on Samsung for display technology. This shift underscores Apple’s commitment to diversifying its supply chain and reducing dependency on specific suppliers, aligning with its broader strategic objectives of enhancing supply chain resilience and mitigating potential disruptions.

The iPhone SE 4, positioned as the fourth generation of Apple’s ‘Special Edition’ smartphone lineup, is anticipated to adopt a design reminiscent of the iPhone 14, featuring support for Face ID technology. While Apple has yet to officially confirm details regarding the iPhone SE 4, the reported developments surrounding display suppliers offer valuable insights into the company’s supply chain dynamics and its efforts to deliver compelling products that meet consumer demand and market expectations.

iPhone SE 4 — Apple’s fourth generation ‘Special Edition’ smartphone — is likely to be equipped with an OLED screen manufactured by a Chinese firm, according to a report. The iPhone maker was reportedly negotiating the cost of the display on the upcoming midrange smartphone with three suppliers — one is said to have dropped out over the cost of each display. There’s currently no word from Apple on plans to launch a new iPhone SE model — the current model was unveiled in 2022.

A ZDNet Korea report (in Korean) citing industry sources states that Chinese electronic component manufacturer BOE (Jingdongfang) has won the bid to manufacture the OLED screen for the purported iPhone SE 4. As per the report, Apple was accepting bids from three suppliers — Samsung, BOE, and Tianma — for the successor to the iPhone SE (2022) model.

BOE is likely to provide the majority of displays for the iPhone SE 4, according to the publication, after Samsung dropped out of the race over business feasibility. Samsung Display reportedly quoted a price of $35 to $40 (roughly Rs. 2,900 to Rs. 3,300) for each display unit, while the Chinese companies sought $30 (roughly Rs. 2,500). The iPhone SE 4 is tipped to adopt a design similar to the iPhone 14 with support for Face ID.