Apple iPhone 16 is expected to launch in the second half of this year. The OLED panel volume and mass production period for the iPhone 16 are expected to be decided soon. The prevailing view in the industry is that Samsung Display will begin mass production of iPhone 16 OLED in the first half of this year. In contrast, there are mixed views regarding the timing of LG Display’s mass production.
Samsung D is expected to begin mass production of iPhone 16 OLED
Given that this year is the year in which the first OLED iPad is released along with the mass production of the iPhone 16 OLED, interest is also focused on the Apple business performance of the two domestic panel companies. In this regard, following LG Display at the end of last year, Samsung Display also created an organization early this month to strengthen Apple’s business.
Samsung Display and LG Display are preparing to begin mass production of iPhone 16 series organic light emitting diode (OLED) in the first half of the year. Currently, the two panel companies are in the final stages of the process to receive approval from Apple for mass production of the iPhone 16.
The only difference between the iPhone 16 series OLED and the previous iPhone 15 series is the ‘thin bottom bezel’ applied to both iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models. BRS (Border Reduction Structure) technology is applied to thin the bottom bezel of both iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models. To make the bezel thinner, the circuits under the bezel must be placed more tightly and some wiring must be bent downward, which increases the technical difficulty.
Until recently, both Samsung Display and LG Display had difficulties due to the thin bezel at the bottom of the panel. Except for the bottom bezel, there is no significant change in the panel specifications, and although there was no problem at the panel level with the bezel, it is known that a problem appeared in the process of combining it into a module. LG Display produces only two types of Pro lineup, including the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, which require a thin bezel at the bottom, while Samsung Display produces two types of Pro lineup and all four types of OLED, including the remaining standard and Plus models.
Recently, the prevailing opinion in the industry is that Samsung Display has resolved most of the related problems, but opinions are mixed regarding LG Display. Along with the prediction that “LG Display will also be able to begin mass production of iPhone 16 OLED in the first half of this year,” there is also the observation that “LG Display has not yet completely resolved related problems, so the mass production schedule may be delayed.”
An industry insider said, “If Samsung Display (which produces the largest volume of iPhone OLEDs) does not begin mass production of iPhone 16 OLEDs in the first half of the year, it will not work (because production of finished products will be disrupted).” “I don’t think there is one,” he said. This official added, “LG Display is also expected to begin mass production of iPhone 16 OLED in the first half of the year.”
Another official said, “Currently, both Samsung Display and LG Display are in the process of receiving Apple’s approval for mass production,” but also added, “There are also predictions that LG Display may be delayed in starting mass production.”
It is expected that it will be difficult for BOE to receive as much OLED volume as expected for the iPhone 16 this year. BOE is hoping to deliver OLED for the regular and Plus models of the iPhone 16. Both models have the same panel specifications as the previous models, the regular iPhone 15 and Plus models, but BOE reportedly only met half of its target OLED shipments for the regular iPhone 15 in the first quarter. Since BOE failed to deliver the iPhone 15 Plus model OLED last year, it is still unclear whether it will deliver the iPhone 16 Plus OLED this year.
Above all, since iPhone sales are sluggish this year, some estimate that “even if BOE is good at making iPhone OLEDs, it will be difficult for Apple to provide large quantities to BOE.” If LG Display begins mass production of the iPhone 16 OLED on time or sooner, Samsung Display’s iPhone 16 OLED volume may decrease, as it will be difficult for Apple to provide large quantities to BOE at this time. Samsung Display has already been involved in a patent dispute with BOE in the U.S. and China since early last year. Apple is also aware of patent disputes.
For this reason, it is predicted that BOE will ‘control traffic’ with Apple by mainly supplying OLED for the low-end iPhone SE to be released next year. However, it is likely that BOE will supply OLED for iPhone SE products sold in China, but there is a possibility that other panel companies will supply OLED for iPhone SE sold in other regions.
