Samsung Withdraws From iPhone SE 4 Display Deal With Apple, China's BOE to Take the Lead

Joseph Henry, Tech Times 27 March 2024, 12:03 pm

A recent supply chain report indicates that Samsung has opted out of producing displays for the upcoming iPhone SE 4, slated for release in 2025.

Instead, China's BOE will undertake the manufacturing responsibilities, an early report by IT Home says.

iPhone SE 4 Upgrade Plans

Samsung Withdraws From iPhone SE 4 Display Deal With Apple, China's BOE to Take the Lead — (Photo : Apple)

*iPhone SE 4 is expected to hit the shelves by next year. However, a new report says that Samsung declined to be the screen supplier of Apple's upcoming smartphone.*

Apple's decision to revamp its entry-level iPhone garnered attention last year, with rumors suggesting significant enhancements.

Among the anticipated changes was the elimination of the Home button, aligning the iPhone SE 4 with the modern all-screen design seen in current models. However, there's more to hear about its leaked specs.

Utilizing Existing Technology

Reports suggest that Apple intended to leverage the display technology from its iPhone 13 lineup for the iPhone SE 4. This strategy allows for cost reduction by repurposing established technology and minimizing research and development expenses.

With regards to Samsung's withdrawal, a Korean supply chain report reveals that the tech giant has withdrawn from negotiations with Apple over the pricing of display components. Allegedly, the smartphone maker's offer exceeded Apple's desired price by $5, leading to the termination of negotiations.

BOE Emerges as the Sole Supplier of iPhone SE 4 Display

Following Samsung's departure, China's BOE secured the contract to manufacture displays for the iPhone SE 4

As spotted by 9to5Mac, reports suggest that Tianma, another potential supplier, failed to meet Apple's quality standards, leaving BOE as the sole contender.

Apple is Doing its Best to Lessen Risks

While the transition to BOE introduces potential risks, including production challenges and quality control issues, Apple typically prefers multiple suppliers to mitigate such risks.

Despite these considerations, both Apple and Samsung are likely content with the outcome. Apple's inability to negotiate favorable terms with Samsung aligns with its strategy of cost optimization, while Samsung prioritizes profitability in its display manufacturing ventures.

There's nothing permanent in the world of tech. The deal that was agreed upon a year ago can be scratched if the conditions are unmet or if there are uncertainties along the way.

The shift in display manufacturing for the iPhone SE 4 is only one of the few changes that supply chain dynamics are moving. With Samsung's withdrawal, China's BOE emerges as a newfound influence in the global market for Apple.

Previous iPhone SE 4 Leaks

Back in December, Tech Times spotted a report where a leaker claimed that the iPhone SE 4 will feature a similar design that we saw on the iPhone XR.

Two months later, another report surfaced on the internet where the upcoming smartphone will have a bigger screen and 5G processor.

The information came from Ming-Chi Kuo, a known tech analyst who said that Qualcomm will be the one that will manufacture the Apple 5G baseband chip. It could be the first time that the iPhone maker will showcase this chip to the public.