Apple has reportedly begun allowing LG Display to supply OLED panels for the iPhone 14 Pro models, along with existing supplier Samsung Display.
With the launch of the iPhone 14 series, the OLED panels for the Pro models were initially supplied only by Samsung Display. However, Apple appears to have brought in another supplier for the high-end models.
LG Display, Apple’s longtime partner, is believed to be joining the supply chain for the iPhone 14 Pro series, providing LPTO TFT-based OLED panels. According to ETNews, LG Display began supplying iPhone 14 Pro Max panels in late October.
LG Display was reportedly supposed to be part of the supply chain for the Pro models, but initial production delays thwarted its entry, but it has now been approved by Apple.
This is the first time LG Display is supplying LTPO OLEDs to Apple products, although the technology was first introduced in the iPhone 13 Pro. The difficult production process and the complexity of punching the display raised hurdles for LG Display to meet Apple’s standards.
For the past two years, Samsung Display has supplied Apple with LTPO OLEDs for mobile applications, and its display technology is quite stable. With the addition of LG Display, Samsung Display will supply fewer panels to Apple.
With the change in suppliers, LG Display will supply screens for two iPhone models, iPhone 14 Standard and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Samsung Display will supply screens for all four iPhone 14 series phones, while BOE will continue to supply iPhone 14 screens.
LG Display is not just supplying the iPhone 14 Pro model. LG is also reportedly developing folding screens for future iPhones, developing micro OLED displays for Apple’s AR headset, and is trying to enter the OLED iPad supply chain.
