Highlights
- iPhone SE 4 to upgrade to OLED, ditching previous LCD screens.
- Repurposing iPhone 13’s 6.1-inch screen for cost-effective innovation.
- Samsung Display leads with the lowest quote for OLED panels.
- Strategy includes reusing older screens to reduce costs and R&D investment.
It’s been a while since we saw a refresh of Apple’s budget-friendly iPhone SE series.
Now new reports are emerging that point towards a significant development for Apple’s entry-level smartphone lineup.
As per The Elec and renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone SE 4 is slated to receive a major display upgrade to OLED technology, moving away from the LCD screens that have characterized the series so far.
Sources indicate that Apple intends to keep costs down by repurposing an existing display, likely the 6.1-inch screen from the iPhone 13, for the 2025 model.
Reviving the iPhone SE 4 Project
The iPhone SE 4’s journey hasn’t been straightforward, with reports initially suggesting its cancellation.
However, Kuo later confirmed that Apple had resumed work on the device, hinting at an OLED screen upgrade.
This move aligns with recent confirmations that the device will indeed utilize the iPhone 13’s display, mirroring the technology also found in the iPhone 14.
Competitive Pricing Strategies
There’s no shortage of offers to make this display and Apple has reportedly received OLED panel quotes from leading suppliers, including Samsung Display, BOE, and Tianma, with Samsung offering the most competitive price at $30 per unit.
Apple’s negotiations aim even lower, targeting a $20 price point per panel, pointing towards the company’s strategy to maintain affordability for the iPhone SE 4 while leveraging legacy technology and components.
The Advantage of Reusing Screens
The decision to employ screens from previous models not only benefits Apple in terms of cost but also simplifies the supply chain dynamics.
Samsung Display, with its existing inventory of iPhone 14’s 6.1-inch OLED panels, is positioned as a frontrunner, capable of fulfilling Apple’s requirements more efficiently than competitors.
This approach also mitigates the need for additional R&D investment by the suppliers, further contributing to cost reduction.
Supply Chain and Future Prospects
The competition among display manufacturers underscores the strategic importance of securing contracts with Apple, particularly for BOE, which seeks to recover from previous production challenges.
Samsung Display’s advantageous position, bolstered by its role in supplying OLED panels for the latest iPhone models, shows how complex Apple’s supply chain is as it gears up for the iPhone SE 4’s launch.
FAQs
What new display technology will the iPhone SE 4 feature?
The iPhone SE 4 is set to include an OLED display, transitioning from the LCD screens used in prior models, specifically repurposing the 6.1-inch screen from the iPhone 13.
Why is Apple choosing to use an older screen for the iPhone SE 4?
By utilizing an existing display from the iPhone 13, Apple aims to reduce the cost of the iPhone SE 4 upgrade, making OLED technology accessible without significant price hikes.
Which suppliers are competing to provide OLED panels for the iPhone SE 4?
Samsung Display, BOE, and Tianma have submitted quotes for supplying OLED panels, with Samsung Display offering the lowest price at $30 per unit.
How does repurposing screens from older models impact the iPhone SE 4’s production?
This approach allows Apple to minimize additional R&D costs and simplifies the supply chain, with Samsung Display already having the necessary inventory to meet Apple’s needs quickly.
What does the iPhone SE 4’s OLED upgrade signify for consumers?
This upgrade means that consumers can anticipate higher-quality displays in Apple’s budget-friendly iPhone SE line, enhancing visual experiences without a steep price increase.
Also Read: iPhone SE 4 Likely To Include USB Type-C, 48MP Camera, And, More: Report
Also Read: iPhone SE 4 Redesign Rumours Point to an iPhone 14-like Look