Samsung Secures Major iPhone 17 Display Deal After BOE Supply Stumble

Apple is reshuffling its supply chain for upcoming iPhones. The tech giant has reportedly shifted a major display order from China’s BOE to South Korea’s Samsung. This move affects the supply of OLED screens for the anticipated iPhone 17 series.

According to industry reports, BOE faced technical hurdles meeting Apple’s stringent quality demands. The company struggled with the advanced LTPO technology required for the new displays. This reliability issue prompted Apple to reassign the contract.

South Korean Suppliers Dominate iPhone 17 Panel Production

Samsung Display is now set to supply the vast majority of OLED panels. Its order book has expanded from 80 million to approximately 90 million units. This consolidation makes Samsung the undeniable lead supplier for Apple’s next flagship.

LG Display remains a secondary supplier for the project. The reallocation of BOE’s 10-million-unit order underscores the challenges new entrants face. It also highlights Samsung’s proven expertise in manufacturing high-end OLED screens.

Technical Hurdles and Market Impact of the Supply Shift

The core issue involves the sophisticated LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) backplane technology. This allows for more efficient power consumption and ProMotion displays. BOE’s lack of experience with this specific technology was a significant factor in its production struggles.

This supply chain shift has clear financial implications. Samsung stands to gain substantial additional revenue from the expanded order. For BOE, the failure represents a setback in its efforts to compete with the top-tier display manufacturers.

The reallocation solidifies Samsung’s position as Apple’s most trusted display partner for the critical iPhone 17 launch. This move ensures production stability for one of the year’s most anticipated tech releases. It highlights the intense technical demands of modern smartphone components.

Info at your fingertips

What displays will the iPhone 17 use?

The iPhone 17 series will use advanced OLED displays with LTPO technology. This technology enables always-on displays and adaptive refresh rates. It is a key feature for ProMotion screens.

Why did BOE lose the Apple contract?

BOE encountered reliability issues with its LTPO OLED panels. The Chinese supplier could not meet Apple’s strict quality and volume requirements. This led Apple to seek a more reliable partner.

How many screens will Samsung supply now?

Samsung Display’s order has increased to around 90 million units. This represents a significant portion of the total iPhone 17 display supply. The original order was for 80 million units.

What does this mean for iPhone 17 availability?

The supply chain change is not expected to delay the iPhone 17 launch. Shifting production to Samsung ensures a stable and proven manufacturing source. Consumers should see normal product availability.

Is LG still making iPhone 17 screens?

Yes, LG Display remains a supplier for the iPhone 17. However, Samsung is now the dominant panel provider. LG’s share of the orders is smaller than Samsung’s.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, ZDNet Korea, The Elec