Apple's patience with his current screens manufacturer, the Chinese company BOE, seems to be coming to an end. The Asian manufacturer of OLED screenswhich has been trying to consolidate as one of the main ones of the company for years, is again in the focus of criticism due to serious quality problems.
These problems have to do with the production quality of panels for the iPhone, which could lead Apple to redirect your orders to Samsung Display and other manufacturers.
Apple has problems with the manufacturer of its screens
According to Korean sources, the Chinese BOE manufacturer has had difficulties in meeting the demanding Apple standards in the manufacture of AMOLED LTPS screens aimed at models of iPhone 14, 15 and 16. The problem is so serious that, since the beginning of 2024, the company has only managed to deliver between 7 and 8 million units, a ridiculous figure compared to the request of approximately 40 million panels on the table.
The quality problems of these panels are no novelty. In 2023, BOE has already suffered a hard blow when Apple drastically reduced its orders due to light leaks in the panels with Dynamic Island for the iPhone 15. Now, the story is repeated and the Chinese company needs at least six weeks to try to solve the deficiencies in its production. Meanwhile, competition does not waste time.
Samsung DisplayApple's most reliable supplier in this sector could take most of the canceled orders if BOE fails to straighten the course. LG Display is also a viable alternative, but its production is mainly focused on the Ltpo Amoled screens that Apple uses in the “PRO” models of the iPhone, so its maneuvering margin is more limited.
OLED screens with problems on the iPhone
For Apple, these types of problems not only affect your supply chain, but also your diversification strategy. For years, the company has tried to reduce its Samsung dependence on the manufacture of OLED screens, betting on BOE as a cheaper option. However, the lack of consistency in the quality of its panels could make Apple rethink this strategy and fully trust the South Korean giants.
The outcome of this situation will depend on whether BOE manages to solve his failures in the coming weeks. If you do not do it, Apple could make a drastic decision and relegate it to a secondary role or, in the worst case, to eliminate it completely from its suppliers list. With the production of the iPhone 16 on progress, and preparations for future models at stake, such as the iPhone 17, the Cupertino company cannot afford failures in a component as critical as the screen.
In addition, it must be taken into account that this year Apple will launch the expected iPhone 17 Air, the company's ultrafine terminal that promises to completely redefine mobile technology. We will see to what extent Apple should be even more careful with its panels and if BOE is part of this project.
