According to a recent report from IT Home, BOE has emerged as the front-runner to supply OLED panels for the upcoming fourth-generation iPhone SE, overtaking Samsung Display and Tianma.
Samsung withdrew from negotiations due to pricing disagreements, despite having existing iPhone 14 OLED stock. Apple's insistence on a $25 per panel price clashed with Samsung's final offer of $30, lower than the Chinese manufacturers'. While Tianma struggles to meet Apple's quality standards, BOE seems poised to secure the majority, if not all, of the panel orders.
Panel prices for the iPhone SE 4 are anticipated to be notably lower than those for the iPhone 15, as they will utilize legacy parts akin to the iPhone 13 and 14. This negates the need for suppliers to invest in new R&D. Discussions among display manufacturers for panel supply have reportedly been ongoing since at least last August.
Rumors suggest that the fourth-generation iPhone SE will adopt an iPhone 14-like design, featuring a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID replacing Touch ID, a USB-C port, an Action button, and a full-screen appearance sans the Home Button. Recent CAD renders align with previous design speculations for the iPhone SE 4, expected to launch in 2025. Despite potential upgrades, reports indicate that the iPhone SE 4 may experience quicker depreciation compared to Apple's premium models.
