Controversial display maker overtakes Samsung and LG OLEDs, eyes Apple

Apple’s devices are known for their outstanding displays—albeit with low refresh rates—and the company sources these displays from Samsung and LG.

However, another manufacturer, the Chinese company BOE, has been attempting to capture Apple’s attention for several years. Recently, BOE introduced an OLED display that produces richer colors than those from Samsung or LG.

This new OLED prototype revealed at the IPC (Innovation Partner Conference) in Beijing, accomplished an impressive 95 percent of the BT 2020 color gamut. In simpler terms, these displays showcased exceptionally vibrant colors. For comparison, Samsung’s OLED panels reach 90 percent of BT 2020, while LG’s panels only manage 70 percent.

Although it has not yet been confirmed for mass production, BOE’s innovative OLED technology could finally persuade Apple to consider changing suppliers. However, it’s worth noting that Apple has attempted this before.

Apple has previously offered BOE several opportunities to join its supply chain, primarily because existing suppliers are reportedly overcharging. However, for some reason, BOE has consistently failed to meet expectations.

For instance, BOE was originally slated to provide a significant portion of the displays for the iPhone 14, but when the company encountered a component shortage, it attempted to introduce modified designs without approval. Understandably, Apple terminated the partnership upon discovering this.

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BOE was then given another chance to supply displays for the iPhone 15, but struggled with the necessary cutouts for the camera and sensors, leading Apple to cancel those orders as well and rely on Samsung once again. Additionally, Samsung pursued an import ban on BOE, alleging that the company had violated its intellectual property rights.

All these issues have thus far prevented BOE from becoming part of Apple’s supply chain. However, it’s worth noting that there’s a reason Apple continues to give BOE chances. If the Chinese tech giant can reliably provide Apple with high-quality displays at a lower cost, Apple would certainly consider making the switch. The new OLED panels appear to be BOE’s most promising opportunity so far.