Top 3 Key Points:
- Complete OLED Transition: Apple will launch the iPhone SE 4 with an OLED display, finalizing its move from LCD to OLED across all iPhone models.
- Impact on Suppliers: Japanese LCD suppliers, like JDI and Sharp, will be excluded from Apple’s supply chain due to the OLED shift.
- New Features: The iPhone SE 4 is expected to adopt an iPhone 14-like design, including Face ID, a larger screen, and an A18 processor.
Apple is preparing to release the fourth-generation iPhone SE, which will mark a significant milestone: the complete adoption of OLED displays across all iPhone models. This change means that the iPhone SE 4, set to launch early next year, will be the first of its kind with an OLED screen, leaving behind the traditional LCDs.
Shifting Supply Chains
This transition is a major blow to Japanese panel manufacturers Japan Display (JDI) and Sharp, who have been key suppliers of LCD screens for Apple. Back in 2015, these companies supplied around 200 million LCD panels annually for iPhones. However, with Apple’s gradual move to OLED technology, this number has drastically dropped to about 20 million by 2023. JDI and Sharp have since been relegated to supplying only the iPhone SE models.
Now, Apple has shifted its focus to other suppliers for the iPhone SE 4. The company is placing orders for OLED screens from China’s BOE Technology Group and South Korea’s LG Display, signaling a new era in its supply chain strategy.
iPhone SE 4: What to Expect
The upcoming iPhone SE 4 is rumored to feature several significant upgrades. It is expected to have a design similar to the iPhone 14, with an all-screen look that eliminates the Home Button. Face ID will replace Touch ID, and the device will likely include a USB-C port, an Action button, and Apple’s own 5G modem.
Moreover, the display size is expected to increase from 4.7 inches to 6.06 inches. To support the advanced features of the new model, the internal RAM is expected to double from 4GB to 8GB, aligning with the hardware needs of Apple’s AI-driven functionalities.
Production and Release Timeline
Apple’s suppliers are gearing up to start mass production of the iPhone SE 4 by October this year. The device might be released in time for the Lunar New Year in January 2025, although a March release, consistent with previous iPhone SE launches, is also possible.
This transition to OLED not only represents Apple’s continued push toward technological innovation but also underscores the evolving dynamics in the global supply chain for smartphone components.
