Apple is once again in hot water over its display suppliers, as the upcoming iPhone 17 Air model is reportedly suffering from screen cracking issues – and BOE, one of Apple’s longtime display partners, has officially been cut from the supply chain.
BOE dropped as iPhone 17 display supplier
China-based BOE has spent years trying to earn a permanent spot on Apple’s premium supplier list, largely due to the lower costs it can offer compared to competitors. But despite some wins in the past, BOE consistently fails to meet Apple’s strict quality standards. This year, Apple has decided to exclude BOE entirely from the iPhone 17 series production.
The reason? Apple is shifting all models, even the base iPhone 17, to LTPO OLED panels (known by consumers as “ProMotion”), which feature 120Hz refresh rates and the ability to scale down to 1Hz to conserve battery. BOE has been unable to manufacture LTPO displays that meet Apple’s performance and durability benchmarks. As a result, Samsung Display and LG Display will handle all panel production, with Samsung expected to supply 70 million units and LG providing around 43 million.
iPhone 17 Air facing cracked screen problems
The iPhone 17 Air – Apple’s new flagship thin model replacing the underperforming Plus line – is raising eyebrows. At just 5.5mm thick, the Air model boasts the slimmest design in iPhone history. Unfortunately, this sleek profile may come at a cost.
Reports from insiders suggest the Air’s ultra-thin OLED display is encountering durability issues. The micro-coating layer, which protects the screen from dust and moisture, is cracking around the edges where the panel curves. If this protective layer is compromised, the display’s lifespan could drastically shorten – a costly concern for Apple.
Apple is reportedly using these defects in negotiations with Samsung and LG to drive down display costs, arguing that the cracks could lead to higher warranty and support expenses later. This internal tug-of-war over pricing may also explain the staggered production numbers.
Higher prices incoming for consumers
While Apple hasn’t officially confirmed pricing, signs point toward a more expensive iPhone 17 lineup. The switch to LTPO panels, RAM upgrades (with 12GB expected across most models), and continued use of advanced 3nm chips all suggest rising costs. The base model may still use less RAM due to supply constraints, but overall, buyers should brace for a price bump compared to the iPhone 16 generation.
Meanwhile, Apple fans looking ahead should note that while the iPhone 17 sticks with 3nm chips, the 2026 iPhone 18 is rumored to adopt cutting-edge 2nm processors – potentially pushing prices even higher, especially with the 20th anniversary iPhone Pro on the horizon.
Apple’s ambitions for thinner, faster, and flashier phones may excite tech enthusiasts, but the trade-offs are becoming clearer. Let’s just hope we’re not headed for another round of “bendgate.”