The BOE display maker will be one of the leading suppliers of OLED panels for iPhone 13 models, according to a new report today from Taiwan’s Daily economic news.
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BOE is said to be working with General Interface Solution (GIS) friction panel maker, part of Hon Hai Group to develop OLED panels.
Multiple iPhone 12 rumors suggested that BOE would supply some panels for the devices, but BOE ran into major production problems. In June, BOE failed to deliver the first shipment of OLED panels to Apple because displays created by BOE passed test tests.
Samsung Display ended up delivering the panels for the top-end iPhone 12 models and the iPhone 12 mini, while LG Display made panels for the standard 6.1-inch iPhone 12 ′ ′.
At the time of the failures, BOE’s production rate was around 20 percent, which was not enough to meet Apple’s needs. The BOE was said to be working to improve its production rate, but in November, it was unable to get a supply order from Apple.
Report from An Elec in November it recommended that Apple revert to its BOE manufacturing facility in Chengdu, China in May or June, and that if it passes certification tests at that time, panels could BOE will be shown to be used for upgraded iPhone 12 models and possibly some iPhone 13 investment.
Daily economic news suggests that BOE ‘s position in Apple’ s supply chain has improved, and its OLED technology is now “closer to that of South Korea ‘s major manufacturers.” The site also says BOE have now completed certification tests and are manufacturing a small number of displays for the iPhone 12, but it is not clear whether that is correct with the mixed rumors.
IPhone 13 displays are expected to be more technically difficult due to Apple’s switch to LTPO technology to take 120Hz refresh rates on some models, but prior rumors have also suggested that the BOE may win some orders.
The iPhone 13 lineup is expected to be identical to the iPhone 12 lineup with four iPhones in sizes 6.1, 5.4, and 6.7-inches, with Apple offering both standard and Pro models. Pro models are expected to feature 120Hz refresh rates, with Apple bringing the iPad Pro’s “ProMotion” technology to the iPhone for the first time.