iPhone SE 4 to Mark Apple’s Full Switch to OLED Displays
Apple is gearing up to unveil its fourth-generation iPhone SE, the first SE model featuring an OLED display. This will signal the completion of Apple’s transition to OLED technology across its entire iPhone lineup.
The change to OLED screens across all iPhone models will notably affect Apple’s long-time LCD suppliers, Japan Display (JDI) and Sharp, both of whom will no longer play a role in the iPhone production chain, according to reports from Nikkei Asia. This shift began with the introduction of the OLED display in the iPhone X back in 2017, with Apple’s premium devices gradually moving away from LCD technology. JDI and Sharp, once key suppliers, were significantly impacted by this transition.
In fact, back in 2015, JDI and Sharp were collectively producing approximately 200 million LCD panels for iPhones annually. However, as of 2023, that number has dwindled to a mere 20 million, with their focus limited to iPhone SE models. Now, as Apple fully embraces OLED, JDI has shifted its focus toward LCDs for the automotive industry, while Sharp is scaling back its LCD business, primarily targeting televisions.
Apple is reportedly placing orders for OLED panels for the upcoming iPhone SE with new suppliers, including China’s BOE Technology Group and South Korea’s LG Display, indicating a further departure from Japanese manufacturers. This switch reflects Apple’s broader strategy to adopt cutting-edge display technology across all devices.
Rumored to take design cues from the iPhone 14, the iPhone SE 4 will feature several significant upgrades, including a USB-C port, Face ID, an Action button, and an all-screen design that removes the traditional Home Button. It’s also expected to pack Apple’s A18 processor and the company’s in-house 5G modem. Another notable change is the anticipated increase in display size, growing from 4.7 inches in the current model to 6.06 inches. To meet the hardware demands of Apple Intelligence, the device is likely to feature 8GB of RAM, doubling the 4GB of its predecessor in 2022.
Mass production for the iPhone SE 4 is rumored to begin in October 2024. The launch is speculated to be in early 2025, possibly ahead of the Lunar New Year in January. However, since Apple has historically announced iPhone SE models in March, a release during that month seems equally probable.
