According to sources, Apple is expected to launch the fourth-generation iPhone SE early next year, which will be the first time that the iPhone SE series is equipped with an OLED display. With this change, Apple will fully adopt OLED technology in all iPhone models, marking another upgrade in Apple’s mobile phone screen technology.
According to Nikkei Asia, the shift away from LCD displays will exclude two long-time Japanese panel manufacturers, Japan Display Inc. (JDI) and Sharp, from Apple’s iPhone supply chain. Since Apple first introduced OLED screens on the iPhone X in 2017, OLED displays have gradually replaced LCD screens in Apple’s high-end iPhone models. This shift has had a significant impact on LCD suppliers.
In 2015, JDI and Sharp supplied about 200 million LCD panels for the iPhone each year. However, by 2023, this number had dropped significantly to about 20 million. In recent years, Apple has gradually adopted OLED display technology, which has left the two Japanese LCD manufacturers only able to supply screens for the iPhone SE model.
Currently, JDI only supplies small OLED displays for devices such as the Apple Watch. JDI is refocusing its business strategy to focus on LCDs for automotive applications, while Sharp is scaling back its LCD business, which is mainly for TVs.
Meanwhile, Apple has reportedly begun sourcing OLED displays for its upcoming iPhone SE from China’s BOE and South Korea’s LG Display. As Apple fully transitions to OLED technology, the fourth-generation iPhone SE will further drive this trend.
It is reported that the design of the fourth-generation iPhone SE will be similar to the iPhone 14, support Face ID instead of Touch ID, and will be equipped with a USB-C port and an Action button. The device will also be equipped with Apple’s self-developed 5G modem and A18 processor, and adopt a full-screen design without a Home button. The screen size is expected to increase from the current 4.7 inches to 6.06 inches, and the memory may increase to 8GB to meet the hardware requirements of Apple Intelligence.
