Apple Eyes OLED Shift for iPhone SE 4, Engages Suppliers in Price Talks

Some of Apple's display suppliers have submitted price proposals to provide OLED displays for the fourth-generation iPhone SE, a report claimed.

iPhone SE 4 to Sport OLED Display, Apple in Talks for Lower Costs

It is rumored that Samsung Display, BOE, and Tianma have all submitted their price proposals for OLED panels for the iPhone SE 4, scheduled for release the following year. All preceding iterations of the iPhone SE featured LCDs, The Elec reports.

According to the report's sources, Samsung offered the least expensive unit at $30, followed by BOE at $35 and Tianma at $40. Reportedly, Apple is currently engaged in negotiations for $20. It is believed that display manufacturers have submitted bids to provide the panels since August last year.

Suppliers of the panels for the SE will reportedly charge significantly less than they did for the OLED displays utilized in the iPhone 15. This is because the panels for the SE will utilize identical legacy components as those used in the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14, eliminating the need for new R&D investments.

Samsung reportedly has an advantage over its competitors, as the Korean firm can utilize its extant iPhone 14 OLED inventory.

According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the fourth-generation iPhone SE will feature a 6.1-inch OLED display with a design similar to the iPhone 14. The iPhone SE 4 is also anticipated to utilize the same battery as the iPhone 14 base model.

Furthermore, the forthcoming model will likely feature a USB-C interface and an action button, which have been comprehensively discussed in prior reports. It may also be among the first devices to incorporate a modem processor designed by Apple.

Now Accepting Bids from Suppliers for iPhone SE 4 OLED Panels.

Macrumors reported that Chinese display manufacturers are submitting bids to supply Apple with OLED displays for the fourth-generation iPhone SE.

Various suppliers, including Tianma, are currently endeavoring to secure orders from Apple for AMOLED panels that are appropriate for the fourth-generation iPhone SE. Given that orders are likely prioritized by more prominent manufacturers such as BOE, Tianma would function as a secondary supplier. In connection with the iPhone SE, Apple personnel in charge of panel procurement reportedly visited several key OLED panel factories in China during the first six months of 2023.

Additionally, it is anticipated to include Apple's long-rumored custom 5G modem. The expected release date for the device is 2025.

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