Apple Switches to OLED Displays for iPhone SE 4: The End of an Era for LCDs

Hey iPhone fans! Big changes are coming to Apple’s lineup, especially for the iPhone SE series. According to a new report from Nikkei Asia, Apple is making the move to OLED display panels for the upcoming iPhone SE 4, which means the end of LCD screens for all iPhones. Let’s dive into what this shift means and why it’s such a big deal!

Goodbye LCD, Hello OLED!

If you’ve been a fan of the iPhone SE, you’re probably familiar with its use of LCD displays. But with the upcoming iPhone SE 4, Apple is officially saying goodbye to LCD technology. From now on, even the more affordable iPhone SE will come equipped with an OLED display, just like the premium iPhone models.

This switch to OLED means better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, giving you a more premium display experience, even on the budget-friendly iPhone SE. So, whether you’re streaming videos, scrolling through social media, or playing games, your screen will look sharper and more vibrant than ever.

Impact on Japanese Suppliers

This change isn’t just about display quality; it also has a big impact on Apple’s supply chain. A decade ago, Japanese panel suppliers like Japan Display (JDI) and Sharp provided about 70% of the displays for iPhones. However, as Apple transitioned to OLED displays, their share of the iPhone display market steadily declined. Since neither JDI nor Sharp produces OLED panels for smartphones, they’ll no longer be supplying displays for the iPhone lineup once the iPhone SE 3 is discontinued.

It’s a tough break for these companies. JDI, in particular, has been struggling, recording net losses for 10 straight years and shifting its focus to LCDs for automotive applications. Sharp, on the other hand, has scaled back its LCD business, closing down operations at some of its plants in Japan.

Who’s Supplying OLED Displays for the iPhone SE 4?

With JDI and Sharp out of the picture, Apple is turning to other suppliers for OLED panels. For the iPhone SE 4, Apple has placed orders with BOE Technology Group from China and LG Display from South Korea. These two companies are already major players in the iPhone display supply chain, with Samsung currently providing around half of the OLED panels for iPhones, followed by LG at 30%, and BOE at around 20%.

This means the OLED market for iPhones is already well-established, and the iPhone SE 4 will benefit from this proven technology. Whether you're getting the standard iPhone models or the premium Pro versions, you can expect high-quality displays across the board.

What’s Next for the iPhone SE?

The next-generation iPhone SE 4 is set to arrive next year, and the switch to OLED is one of the most exciting updates to this model. By transitioning the entire iPhone lineup to OLED, Apple is leveling up the user experience across the board, even for those looking for a more affordable option like the SE.

As we say goodbye to LCD displays, we can look forward to a more vibrant, modern, and sleek look for all future iPhones. It’s an exciting time to be an iPhone user, and we can’t wait to see the iPhone SE 4 in action!