In the world of technology, collaboration and competition often go hand in hand. One of the fascinating collaborations in recent times is between two tech giants, Apple and Samsung. While these companies are fierce competitors in the smartphone market, they also have a strategic partnership when it comes to display technology.
This blog post delves into the details of Apple’s OLED display suppliers, with a focus on Samsung’s significant role in providing screens for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 series.
The dominance of Samsung as an OLED Supplier
Samsung Display, a subsidiary of the South Korean conglomerate, holds a prominent position as a supplier of OLED displays to Apple. According to recent reports, Samsung Display is set to account for a staggering 70% of the OLED panels used in Apple’s iPhone 14 models. For the iPhone 15 series, Samsung has received mass production approval for displays across all four models, securing a leading position once again.
Apple’s OLED Order and Suppliers for iPhone 14
Apple is known for sourcing components from various suppliers, and OLED displays are no exception. For the iPhone 14 lineup, Apple ordered more than 120 million OLED panels. Samsung is expected to supply 80 million units, making it the primary supplier. LG Display and BOE also contribute to the OLED panels, providing 20 million and six million units, respectively. However, Samsung holds a clear advantage over its competitors, as it supplies OLED panels for every iPhone 14 model, while LG and BOE cater to specific models only.
Samsung’s Upper Hand Over Competitors
Samsung’s dominance can be attributed to its ability to meet Apple’s demand and supply panels for both the regular iPhone 14 and the high-end iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models. In contrast, LG and BOE have faced production challenges, limiting their ability to meet Apple’s requirements fully. LG provides LTPS and LTPO displays for different iPhone 14 models, while BOE supplies LTPS displays for the regular iPhone 14.
Apple’s Future Plans for OLED Displays
Even with the release of the iPhone 14, Apple is already planning for its next-generation smartphones. OLED displays are expected to continue being a key feature in upcoming models. Notably, rumors suggest that Apple plans to introduce a new iPhone SE in 2024, featuring a 6.1-inch OLED display. Additionally, there are indications that new iPad models with OLED displays may also arrive in 2024, further solidifying Apple’s commitment to this technology.
Samsung’s Role in the iPhone 15 Series
For the iPhone 15 series, Samsung has once again received mass production approval for all four models’ OLED displays. This approval came ahead of its competitors, LG Display and BOE. LG Display’s setbacks in implementing smaller bezels and challenges faced by BOE in adding cutouts for Dynamic Island have resulted in Samsung taking over initial OLED shipments. As a result, Samsung is expected to achieve higher shipments in 2023 than initially projected.
Impact of Production Disruptions
Production disruptions have affected all suppliers, but Apple is reportedly prioritizing the production of the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro model to ensure a 50-60% supply of Pro models this year. The 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max is experiencing the most significant production disruption, which may lead to limited availability in the first weeks after the launch.
In conclusion, Samsung plays a pivotal role as the largest supplier of OLED displays for Apple’s iPhones. Its ability to meet Apple’s demand and supply panels for various models has given it a competitive edge over other suppliers. While LG Display and BOE also contribute to Apple’s OLED display supply chain, they have faced challenges in production, leading to increased reliance on Samsung. As Apple continues to innovate and introduce new products, OLED displays are likely to remain a central feature, further strengthening the collaboration between Apple and Samsung in the years to come.
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