Apple has reportedly cut Chinese display manufacturer BOE from its supplier list for the OLED panels used in the iPhone 15 Dynamic Island due to quality issues. BOE has been working on developing new OLED panels with a “pill + hole” design for interactive Dynamic Island, which is expected to replace the notch in the upcoming iPhone 15 series.
The new OLED panels are designed to secure the necessary space for camera module lenses and Face ID by drilling a hole at the top of the display. However, The Elec reports that BOE has been experiencing difficulties in processing the hole display, leading to light leakage in the OLED panels. Light leakage refers to a phenomenon in which light leaks from a screen without being completely covered, which can negatively impact display quality.
As a result of these issues, BOE’s OLED panels for the iPhone 15 Dynamic Island are not expected to be approved for mass production in time for the first shipment of the new devices, which is scheduled for around June.
Apple has procured OLED panels for its devices from a variety of suppliers, including Samsung Display, LG Display, and BOE. It is therefore possible that BOE’s order for the new OLED panels with holes for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models might be given to Samsung or LG instead.
While BOE’s OLED panels may not be used for the initial shipment of the new devices, it’s possible that they could be used later for repair purposes. If the production yield stabilizes and quality issues are resolved, BOE could deliver OLEDs for new products, but disruptions to the overall production plan are inevitable.
It was previously reported that Apple had placed orders for OLED display panels for the upcoming 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro and MacBook to Samsung Display and LG Display, cutting BOE out of the process.
For now, it remains uncertain if BOE will be able to overcome its challenges and participate in the mass production of OLED panels for the new devices.