Previously it was reported that Apple plans to use BOE OLED panels in certain iPhone 12 models launching in 2020. However, due to manufacturing issues, latest report said BOE will not be the panel supplier of the first batch of Apple's new iPhones.
According to DigiTimes, BOE has failed to secure Apple's validation of the OLED screens.
Apple is reportedly planning to release four OLED iPhone 12 models this year, in sizes of 5.4 inches, 6.1 inches (two models) and 6.7 inches.
The 5.4-inch and 6.1-inch iPhone 12 models will serve as a more affordable follow-up to the iPhone 11, while the other 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch models will be similar to the iPhone 11 Pro devices.
Samsung Display is expected to be the primary OLED panel suppliers for all iPhone 12 series, while BOE and LG Display are working on the entry-level 6.1-inch iPhone 12 OLED screens.
BOE is reportedly looking into quality issues affecting its manufacturing and hopes to start shipping OLEDs to Apple in Q4 2020.
LG Display will take action, planning to increase shipments of 6.1-inch model screens, moving shipments from the initially planned of 18 million to 23 million units to increase to 23 million to 25 million units.
BOE's failure won't have a major impact on Apple's 2020 iPhone 12 release date, because Apple can Relying on Samsung Display and LG Display.
Other factors may delay this year's "iPhone 12" lineup somewhat, and rumors have hinted at a partial or all iPhone 12 models will likely be released in September and then available in October.
BOE started mass production of flexible OLED panels in 2019, but its production yields are currently only around 20%.ย
DigiTimes says BOE is now trying to combine the front-end process from its B7 fab with the back-end of its B11 line end process to increase productivity, noting that the B7 fab, also located in Sichuan, began mass production in 2017. Since then, it has increased its productivity to about 70-80%.
If BOE's efforts to increase productivity are successful, it will deliver about 2 million OLED panels to Apple by 2020. But this is the best case scenario.
The DigiTimes report confirms rumors from early June that BOE was unable to pass OLED quality control tests because it failed to Delivering the first OLED panels for the Apple iPhone 12.
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