Apple’s iPhone 17 Display May Rely Only on Samsung and LG

Apple may soon be forced to sever ties with Chinese display manufacturer BOE due to its inability to meet the strict display requirements for the iPhone 17.

As the company continues to push for improved display technology, BOE’s challenges are becoming more apparent, threatening its future role in Apple’s supply chain.

BOE has been struggling to meet Apple’s specifications for the LTPO OLED screen used in the iPhone 16 Pro, which is touted for its “ProMotion” technology. This display can adjust its refresh rate from 120 Hz down to just 1 Hz, optimizing battery life for less demanding apps or when the phone’s always-on display is activated.

Reports suggest that Apple may push for all iPhone 17 models to feature higher refresh rate displays. If BOE cannot deliver on the LTPO OLED technology, it’s likely that Apple will turn to Samsung and LG exclusively for displays in the iPhone 17 series. In fact, both companies have already begun mass production of displays for the new lineup.

Despite years of effort to transition to BOE for cost-saving reasons, Apple is unwilling to compromise on its premium user experience. This decision aligns with Apple’s shift towards more in-house technology, such as its own cellular modem in the budget iPhone 16e. As Samsung and LG ramp up their production, industry experts are questioning whether BOE can catch up in time.

Meanwhile, Samsung is also concerned about rising costs, especially with the new 2nm chips looming on the horizon. To combat this, Samsung is reportedly looking into Chinese suppliers for OLED manufacturing materials to reduce costs, though such a move could risk sharing valuable information with these suppliers.

If BOE fails to meet Apple’s standards, it could be left out of the iPhone 17 supply chain, with the exclusive supplier role going to Samsung and LG. While BOE may still have a chance in the future, this would undoubtedly be a significant setback for the company.