According to a report by The Elec, Apple might upgrade its budget-friendly iPhone SE line with an OLED display by 2025. Currently, the SE is the only iPhone still using LCD technology, so this change would bring it in line with Apple’s more premium models.
OLED displays offer brighter colors, deeper blacks, and better overall image quality compared to LCDs. Despite this, Apple’s main focus seems to be on keeping costs down for the iPhone SE 4. Two major display manufacturers, Samsung and BOE, are reportedly competing to supply Apple with the new screens.
OLED Upgrade for iPhone SE 4
Even though OLED panels generally cost more to manufacture, Apple could potentially maintain the SE’s affordability due to the intense competition between suppliers. Samsung, rumored to have offered the lowest price, might secure the majority of the orders.
Competitive Pricing for OLED Panels
If you talk about numbers, Samsung and BOE have reportedly provided quotes ranging from $30 to $40 for the low-cost model, with Samsung allegedly offering the most affordable price at $30 per unit, while BOE’s limit is $35.
Tienma, a Chinese display manufacturer, has reportedly offered the most expensive price for the iPhone SE 4 component at $40. Given Samsung’s history with Apple and its supposed lowest quote, it’s likely to receive most of the orders, followed by BOE.
Cost Considerations and Potential Margins
The prices quoted by each company for OLED panels are up to one-third less than the panel used in the iPhone 15, giving Apple enough room to generate a decent margin for each iPhone SE 4 sold.
Apple has not yet finalized a production partner and is reportedly seeking even cheaper prices in the mid-20s range.
Future Launch Date
While the exact launch date remains uncertain, rumors suggest a 2025 timeframe for the iPhone SE 4.
