While marking the completion of Apple’s adoption of OLED technology across all iPhone models, Apple is expected to launch a fourth-generation iPhone SE early next year with an OLED display for the first time.
Apple Switching To OLED Across iPhone Lineup
Basically, this latest move which is away from LCD displays will exclude two long standing Japanese panel makers, Japan Display (JDI) and Sharp, from Apple’s iPhone supply chain, as per the information provided by Nikkei Asia.
Earlier, Apple introduced OLED screens with the iPhone X during 2017.
From then, the OLED displays appear to have replaced LCD screens in Apple’s high-end iPhone models.
This move has significantly impacted the LCD suppliers.
Prior to this, JDI and Sharp provided about 200 million LCD panels yearly for iPhones in 2015.
This number seems to have decreased dramatically to around 20 million by 2023.
With the gradual adoption of OLED in Apple, it has seen both Japanese LCD makers supply for just iPhone SE models.
When it comes to JDI, presently it only supplies small OLED displays for devices such as the Apple Watch.
Now, the Japanese panel maker is focusing on revamping its business strategy around LCDs for automotive applications.
On the other hand, Sharp is scaling back its LCD business, which was primarily for TVs.
In the meantime, Apple has begun placing orders for OLED displays for the upcoming iPhone SE from China’s BOE Technology Group and South Korea’s LG Display reportedly.
Apple Ramping Up Mass Production
Coming to the fourth-generation iPhone SE, it is rumored to feature an iPhone 14-like design, Face ID instead of Touch ID, a USB-C port, an Action button, an Apple-designed 5G modem, an A18 processor, and an all-screen look that does away with the Home Button.
Its display is anticipated to grow in size from 4.7 inches to 6.06 inches with internal RAM is likely to be 8GB, up from 4GB in the 2022 model, due to the hardware requirements of Apple Intelligence.
Considering the upcoming launch, Apple suppliers are expected to begin ramping up mass production of the device during October this year.
For the launch date, it is expected to be released ahead of the Lunar New Year in January 2025.
But if you look in the past, all three existing iPhone SE models were announced in March over the years, so a March 2025 release seems possible too.
