Rumors about the iPhone SE 4 getting an OLED screen are growing stronger, with reports saying Apple will stop using LCD panels. The iPhone SE is currently the only Apple smartphone with an LCD screen, while the others have OLED displays.
According to a report from Nikkei Asia on Tuesday, Apple plans to stop working with two Japanese companies, Japan Display and Sharp, that supply LCDs for the iPhone SE 3. Instead, Apple is said to have ordered OLED screens for the iPhone SE 4 from LG Display and BOE. Since Japan Display and Sharp don’t make OLED panels for smartphones on a large scale, they are likely to stop supplying parts for the iPhone when the switch to OLED happens.
The iPhone SE 4 with an OLED screen is expected to be released in early 2025.
Earlier rumors suggest that this model will include Apple Intelligence support and will likely share its design and edge-to-edge display with either the iPhone 14 or iPhone 16. The iPhone SE 4 may also feature Face ID, an A18 chip, and a 48-megapixel camera as significant upgrades.
Gradual Supplier Change:
Apple’s switch to OLED displays has changed its screen supply chain over the years.
Ten years ago, Japan Display and Sharp supplied 70% of iPhone screens. Now, they only provide screens for the iPhone SE.
With the move to OLED, Apple has turned to other suppliers. Samsung Display is the main supplier, providing about half of Apple’s iPhone OLED screens, while LG Display supplies 30% and BOE about 20%.