It appears that Chinese screen maker BOE has re-entered Apple’s supply chain and will continue to supply its customers with OLED screens.
Not long ago, Apple banned BOE from manufacturing OLED displays for the iPhone 13 series as a result of BOE changing panel manufacturing technology.
It was reported that BOE executives visited Apple to explain the situation, after which the manufacturer was given orders again.
Apple was likely to want to add BOE to its supply chain list to give less pricing leverage to Samsung and LG, which are also involved in supplying OLED panels for the iPhone 13.
The same panel manufacturers are reportedly involved in making and shipping iPhone 14 screens, after the Chinese manufacturer’s actions put it in an awkward position, BOE executives paid a visit to Apple’s Cupertino headquarters, in an attempt to fix the matter.
As for why Apple wants to bring back the BOE, it’s likely that with the iPhone 14 series expected to launch in the coming months, it’s going to need as many display suppliers as possible.
Samsung and LG are expected to mass-produce LTPO displays, which will be dedicated to the more expensive iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
BOE can continue mass production of regular iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max units, assuming they are able to maintain Apple’s stringent quality requirements.
