BOE is currently the developer of low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) thin-film transistor (TFT) OLED panels for the standard and Plus models of iPhone 15.
The Elec
But the Chinese display giant is facing problems with the yield of the panels, mostly from the light leakage problem.
This means it may unable to start mass production of the panels in June, thereby losing the initial orders from Apple.
Unlike Samsung, for example, BOE’s supply chain for its OLED manufacturing relies on foreign suppliers. As a general rule, the company is playing catch up on improvements in yields for its OLED manufacturing lines. In this instance, it is also up against Apple’s dynamic island, which is a the replacement for the more recognized notch for the front-facing camera on prior versions of the iPhone. Add to all that the general sensitivity of OLED devices to contamination and the sensitivities this creates in encapsulation during the production process. Probably, creating an island in the middle of your OLED panel is the most challenging thing you have to do as a manufacturer of the display.
There’s also a rumor that Apple won’t keep the dynamic island in iPhone 16s, as if anyone can really tell what will happen that far ahead. It’s here now, and BOE probably lacks the knowhow and the equipment to address any issues arising from conforming to Apple’s strict demands. And so, yes, sanctions are hurting BOE because of its supply chain relationships. But, add a pinch of salt to this news, it is coming out of the Korean press and has some feint traces of schadenfreude.
