Apple is reallocating its OLED panel orders for iPhones from BOE to Samsung Display, as reported by The Elec. This decision comes in response to persistent production issues faced by BOE, which have not been resolved since they first emerged in late 2025.
BOE has encountered difficulties in a specific production process, leading to a complete halt in manufacturing for certain models. The company had been supplying OLED panels for various iPhone models, including the iPhone 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, as well as the more budget-friendly iPhone 16e and its successor, the upcoming 17e. The quality problems are particularly impacting the OLED panels intended for the iPhone 15, 16, and 17.
Production Challenges at BOE
This is not the first instance of BOE struggling to meet Apple’s stringent quality standards. However, the current situation is notable because BOE had previously been a reliable supplier of LTPS OLED panels for the iPhone 15 and 16. The iPhone 17 utilizes LTPO panels, which are more technically complex, but the earlier models should not have presented similar challenges.
One industry source remarked, “BOE had been stably supplying OLED for the iPhone 15 and 16, so the industry finds this puzzling.” Currently, BOE is concentrating on stabilizing its supply chain for the iPhone 17e, which is set to launch in the spring and for which BOE holds the largest panel allocation among suppliers.
Impact on Samsung Display
As a result of these production setbacks at BOE, Samsung Display has received a significant influx of redirected orders over the past two months. In 2024, BOE shipped approximately 40 million OLED panels for iPhones, but this number likely decreased due to the recent production issues.
Legal Disputes and Settlements
The production challenges at BOE follow a tumultuous period in its relationship with Samsung Display, which included allegations from Samsung of trade secret theft and AMOLED patent infringement. This led to an investigation by the International Trade Commission (ITC) and initial import bans against BOE in the U.S. However, the companies reached a settlement in late 2025, with BOE reportedly paying royalties to Samsung to resolve the dispute.
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