Top 3 Key Points:
- Switch to OLED: Apple plans to upgrade the iPhone SE to an OLED display, phasing out LCD screens.
- Supplier Shift: Japanese suppliers, known for LCD panels, will be replaced by OLED specialists from South Korea and China.
- New iPhone SE Features: The upcoming iPhone SE will resemble the iPhone 14 and is expected to launch in 2025.
Apple is preparing to release a new version of the iPhone SE, which is rumored to feature a significant upgrade: an OLED display. This shift means Apple will no longer rely on its Japanese suppliers, who have traditionally provided LCD panels for the iPhone SE.
Apple’s Transition from LCD to OLED
Reports from Nikkei Asia confirm that the next-generation iPhone SE will adopt OLED technology, aligning it with the rest of Apple’s iPhone lineup. Currently, the iPhone SE is the only model still using an LCD screen. Historically, Japan Display (JDI) and Sharp, both Japanese companies, supplied up to 70% of the LCD panels for Apple’s devices. However, as Apple shifts entirely to OLED, it has started collaborating with suppliers from South Korea and China, who are experts in this technology.
According to insiders, Apple has already begun ordering OLED panels from BOE and LG for the upcoming iPhone SE. This marks the end of LCDs on iPhones and signals the conclusion of Apple’s long-standing partnership with Japanese display providers.
The Impact of OLED Technology
OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) displays offer several advantages over LCDs. Each pixel in an OLED display emits its light, leading to more vibrant colors and improved contrast. Apple first introduced OLED technology with the iPhone X in 2017, initially reserving it for premium models. By 2020, the entire iPhone 12 series featured OLED screens. Apple is also transitioning its iPads from LCD to OLED, starting with the upcoming M4 iPad Pro.
What’s Next for the iPhone SE?
Rumors suggest that the iPhone SE 4 will be designed similarly to the iPhone 14, featuring a 6.1-inch display with a notch and Face ID. The new model is expected to be powered by the A18 chip, which will also be used in the upcoming iPhone 16, supporting Apple’s latest AI capabilities. While the iPhone 16 is expected to be announced soon, the iPhone SE 4 may not be available until the first half of 2025. The current iPhone SE is priced at $429, with discounts available on platforms like Amazon.
This evolution in display technology and design indicates Apple’s commitment to enhancing user experience and maintaining its competitive edge in the smartphone market.
