Samsung is believed to be Apple's exclusive supplier of OLED displays for iPhones, but it may have company soon.

2018 iphone trio
In a research note shared with MacRumors, Barclays analysts said fellow Korean company LG will likely support OLED display production for 2019 iPhones, possibly followed by Chinese manufacturer BOE as early as 2020.

Multiple reports have indicated that Apple may tap LG and BOE as additional OLED display suppliers. Apple aims to diversify its supply chain as much as possible, often securing at least two suppliers for any given component, a strategy that reduces its supply chain risk and improves its negotiating position.

Apple is widely expected to launch three new iPhones in 2019, including two higher-end 5.8-inch and 6.5-inch OLED models and one lower-end 6.1-inch LCD model. In 2020, rumors suggest Apple will complete its transition to an all-OLED lineup, including 5.4-inch, 6.1-inch, and 6.7-inch models.

Tags: Barclays, BOE, LG, OLED
Related Forum: iPhone

Top Rated Comments

BootsWalking Avatar
75 months ago
Here comes OLEDgate, where owners keep returning their new iPhones until they get one that has a Samsung panel in it.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Harthag Avatar
75 months ago
So for $1000 I can get an iPhone with an inferior Intel modem and now in all likelihood inferior OLED display. I have more confidence in BOE than LG when it comes to phone OLED. Up until this point, there has been a very noticeable difference in quality of Samsung vs. LG OLED phone screens for those who have used both. I hope I am wrong.

Every single phone on display at Apple stores will use Samsung screens to show off quality. And you'll get home and open up your craptastic LG display full of grain, smear, and pink hue.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Zwhaler Avatar
75 months ago
Cue the "mine has an LG, should I return it?" posts
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Harthag Avatar
75 months ago
1. I doubt it is happening in 2019 iPhone, after Apple could not fulfil its previous expected OLED order and paid the penalty, the likelihood of Apple not bargaining a much better deal for 2019 iPhone OLED supply is next to zero. ( You can think of the penalty more like a upfront payment for their next contract )

2. I doubt OLED from LG and BOE will be anywhere near as good as Samsung, especially the OLED used on iPhone which is quite different to even OLED used in Samsung's phone. So the only possibility of an OLED supply from LG and BOE are OLED being used in 2020 iPhone 12R. The S Line will continue to be Samsung dominated.
I don't understand why Google is able to use (a very good) Samsung OLED in the "cheap" 3a and 1+ uses the best screen I've ever seen from Samsung in the 7 Pro (it is better than Samsung's own S10+ that I had, and my XS for that matter).

If Google can put a Samsung OLED into its $400 phone there is no reason other than greed / choice to pay less for components (in my opinion) for Apple to use LG / BOE.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mactendo Avatar
75 months ago
I’m glad I prefer LCD.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CarpalMac Avatar
75 months ago
Here comes OLEDgate, where owners keep returning their new iPhones until they get one that has a Samsung panel in it.
But, but, but.. that'd be Samsung. So many on here keep stating how they will never buy anything Samsung, ever.

I'm so confused....:confused:
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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