Apple is adjusting its supply chain for the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro, reportedly dropping display supplier BOE due to ongoing quality control issues. The move, first reported by South Korean news outlets, highlights Apple’s unwavering commitment to component reliability as it nears the launch of its next flagship devices. Samsung Display is set to increase its OLED panel production to absorb the shortfall, reinforcing its position as a key partner for Apple’s premium iPhone line. The shift also follows a recent patent dispute resolution between Samsung and BOE, adding another layer to this evolving supplier dynamic.
Apple is shifting its display supply chain for the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro, with reports indicating that BOE will no longer provide screens for the premium device. The decision stems from ongoing reliability issues with BOE’s products that the company has been unable to resolve before the end of the year, according to new reports from South Korea.
This change will see Samsung Display become Apple’s primary supplier, stepping in to fill the gap left by BOE. BOE was initially slated to supply approximately 10 million display panels for the iPhone 17 Pro, specifically for the Chinese market. The move underscores the critical importance of consistent quality control in Apple’s supply chain.
Industry sources suggest that BOE has effectively failed to meet Apple’s stringent requirements for display quality. As a result, Samsung Display is increasing its OLED panel shipments to Apple from 80 million units to 90 million units. This adjustment highlights Samsung’s continued dominance in the high-end display market.
The setback for BOE is particularly significant as the company was aiming to ship 40 million units this year. Apple requires LTPO display panels for the iPhone 17 Pro, a technology BOE has struggled to consistently produce to Apple’s standards. LTPO technology is crucial for enabling features like ProMotion, Apple’s adaptive refresh rate technology.
The news comes shortly after Samsung and BOE resolved a patent dispute concerning OLED panel technology. BOE was required to pay licensing fees to Samsung for the use of its intellectual property, a settlement that further complicates BOE’s position in the display market.
You can find more details about this development at GSM Arena.
