Introduction
According to recent reports, LG Display is set to take a more substantial share of the OLED panel orders for the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro series. This development comes as a contrast to the iPhone 14 series production, where Samsung, due to LG’s low LTPO OLED yield rates, dominated the supply of OLED panels. The shifting dynamics in display supply underlines the competitive landscape of smartphone manufacturing and the importance of the role of display technology in device production.
Table of Contents
LG Display and the iPhone 15 Pro OLED Panels
Reports from South Korean publication The Elec suggest that LG Display has expanded its LTPO OLED production capacity, enabling it to accommodate a larger demand for the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max models. This expansion means that LG Display may have gained an estimated 50% or more of the orders for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, a significant increase from the previous year. During the iPhone 14 series production, Samsung supplied up to 70% of all OLED panels for the Pro series, mainly due to impaired production capacity at LG. With LG’s OLED production now back on track, the supply dynamics for the iPhone 15 Pro series’ displays are poised to be much different.
Samsung’s Role in iPhone 15 Pro Display Production
Despite LG’s increased involvement, Samsung will continue to play a crucial role in producing displays for the iPhone 15 series. The tech giant is reported to have secured orders to make panels for all variants of the iPhone 15, including the anticipated larger Plus model. However, Samsung’s dominance in the supply of OLED panels may diminish due to LG’s boosted production capacity.
It’s worth noting that Samsung had leveraged LG’s production challenges during the iPhone 14 Pro series production, enabling it to charge Apple more for corresponding 14-series panels. The redistribution of OLED panel orders between LG and Samsung could potentially bring cost benefits to Apple.
What to Expect with the iPhone 15 Pro Series Display
The Elec also shares insights into the technology behind the new iPhone screens. The standard models of the iPhone 15 series are expected to feature LTPS displays, while the Pro models will come equipped with LTPO panels. Interestingly, Chinese display manufacturer BOE, another supplier that had previously contributed to iPhone production, may not be part of the iPhone 15 series production. Increased complexities in creating the displays, especially the challenge of producing Dynamic Island for the standard models, might have led to BOE bowing out of the production process.
Conclusion
The increased role of LG Display in the iPhone 15 Pro series production represents a significant shift in the supply dynamics of OLED panels. By ramping up its LTPO OLED production capacity, LG is set to compete more vigorously with Samsung, potentially offering Apple more flexibility and cost-effectiveness in sourcing OLED panels. As we anticipate the launch of the iPhone 15 Pro series, the enhanced display technology provided by both LG and Samsung is expected to take the smartphone user experience to new heights.
Source: The Elec kr
