Apple’s upcoming iPhone SE 4, touted as the fourth generation of the ‘Special Edition’ smartphone series, is generating buzz in the tech community as reports suggest that the device will be equipped with an OLED screen supplied by Chinese manufacturer BOE (Jingdongfang). The news comes amidst negotiations between Apple and multiple display suppliers, with insights into the challenges faced during the bidding process.
According to a recent report from ZDNet Korea, which cited industry sources, BOE has emerged as the frontrunner to manufacture OLED screens for the anticipated iPhone SE 4. Apple reportedly engaged in discussions with three potential suppliers – Samsung, BOE, and Tianma – to secure display units for the successor to the current iPhone SE model released in 2022.
While Samsung Display initially participated in the bidding process, the company eventually withdrew from consideration citing concerns over business feasibility. Samsung’s quoted price range for the display units, between $35 to $40 per unit, fell above the price expectations outlined by Apple. On the other hand, Chinese suppliers, including BOE, proposed a price point closer to $30 per unit, aligning more closely with Apple’s financial projections.
In a strategic move, Apple reportedly tabled a counteroffer of $25 per display unit, leading to Samsung’s decision to terminate negotiations in mid-March. Sources suggest that Samsung’s reluctance to proceed with the production of displays for the midrange iPhone stemmed from pricing misalignments with Apple’s budgetary constraints.
Among the remaining contenders, BOE has emerged as the primary candidate capable of meeting Apple’s display requirements for the iPhone SE 4. With BOE poised to supply a significant portion of the OLED screens, Tianma has reportedly encountered challenges in meeting Apple’s technical specifications for the display component.
Industry insiders are speculating that the iPhone SE 4 is likely to draw inspiration from the design language of the iPhone 14 series, potentially featuring support for Face ID technology. While Apple has not yet officially confirmed details regarding the launch of the iPhone SE 4, rumors suggest a prospective debut in 2025, offering consumers an affordable yet feature-rich smartphone option.
As anticipation builds around Apple’s plans for the iPhone SE 4, the dynamics of the display supply chain and negotiations with suppliers shed light on the complexities involved in bringing a new device to market. Tech enthusiasts eagerly await further developments and official announcements from Apple regarding the specifications and availability of the much-anticipated iPhone SE 4.
