The Chinese company BOE has long been a market leader in monitor panels, and in recent years, it has been striving to become a supplier of panels for the iPhone. New data suggests that once again, BOE has been unsuccessful in this endeavor. Under a preliminary agreement with Apple, BOE was to supply 10 million panels for the current iPhone models. However, the supply could only commence if Apple was satisfied with the quality. Unfortunately, it was not.
The products from BOE reportedly failed to meet Apple’s stringent quality standards. As a result, its initial order for 10 million LTPO OLED panels for the iPhone 17 lineup will now go to Samsung Display, which will supply Apple with a total of 90 million panels. Where exactly the issue lies remains unclear, but BOE has been trying to become part of Apple’s supply chain for many years. Meanwhile, its panels are used in many other flagship smartphones, such as the newest OnePlus 15.
BOE’s Quality and Apple’s Strict Standards
BOE’s struggle seems to circle around consistently meeting Apple’s high standards, which have been a significant hurdle. Their LTPO OLED technology-a component that allows for better battery savings through adaptive refresh rates-has reportedly not consistently achieved the necessary calibration and uniformity that Apple demands across its devices.
The Samsung Connection
Samsung Display’s ability to secure such a substantial order from Apple is due not only to its exemplary history of producing high-quality displays but also its adept supply chain management. Samsung’s integration of cutting-edge production techniques and its innovative use of flexible manufacturing processes have allowed it to ramp up production capabilities quickly. This flexibility is a stark contrast to BOE’s more static approach, which struggles with scaling up operations without quality dips.
Impacts on the Industry
This development significantly impacts BOE, which could lead to a reassessment of its strategies in dealing with top-tier companies like Apple. The company’s challenges with Apple might inspire it to reinforce its collaborations with others like Huawei and Honor, where its display technology has been more warmly received.
Reception of BOE in Other Markets
Despite the setbacks with Apple, BOE’s panels in the OnePlus 15 are performing well, which boosts BOE’s credibility in other strategic markets. Experts point out that while BOE’s quality can be inconsistent at times, its competitive pricing and rapid technological advancements maintain its status in the worldwide OLED market.
