When it comes to the list of vendors supplying screens to Apple for this year's (*14*)14 series, Samsung would have been the top choice thanks to its display arm.
According to a report by South Korean news publication ETNews (opens in a new tab), "industry insiders" say Apple has officially approached Samsung Display with an order for around 80 million displays, to be delivered in the third quarter (July-September) of this year; before the scheduled release of (*14*) 14 in September.
The order details supporting reports that this year's crop of devices will not house a (*14*) 14 Mini (as it has for the last two generations of (*14*)), with only two screen sizes intended for use in four discrete models.
Based on the range of devices previously suggested by trusted leaker Ming-Chi Kuo, the (*14*) 14 and (*14*) 14 Pro will use a 6.1-inch panel, while just under half of the total order is configured to serve the largest (*14*) 14 Max and (*14*) premium. 14 Pro Max, both with a 6,7-inch screen, as Apple looks to create the best (*14*) ever in 2022.
Samsung Display will use two different manufacturing methods for the OLED screens that make up this order: LTPS-TFT and LTPO-TFT, the latter offering greater energy efficiency compared to the former, which is said to be aimed at the two Pro models of (*14*). family 14. .
The standard (*14*) 14 and (*14*) 14 Max are likely to use more modest LTPS-TFT technology, offering lower screen refresh rates and slightly lower screen quality.
Analysis: filtering the competition
While 80 million units from a single vendor would mark a big win for Samsung Display, it's not a good sign for Apple fans hoping for more affordable iPhones this year.
The more manufacturers that can meet Apple's requirements and quality standards, the more competition there will be, which means lower component prices and, in turn, savings that can theoretically be passed on to consumers.
In the past, South Korean manufacturer LG Display has often helped Samsung supply Apple with screens for its iPhones. More recently, however, the two have been joined by Chinese supplier BOE Technology.
BOE has been making displays for Apple since (*14*) 12, though whether or not the California-based company will place orders with BOE by (*14*) 14 is still up in the air.
Apple recently resumed production of (*14*) 13 displays with BOE, after it was discovered that the Chinese company had reduced its manufacturing processes (as reported by 9to5Mac (opens in a new tab)) to save costs, without reporting to the manufacturer of (*14*) in advance. weather.
While BOE's restored position as a parts supplier for the (*14*)13 does not guarantee any share of (*14*)14 production, according to GSMArena (opens in a new tab), Apple is reassessing its validity as potential supplier, which could lead to more competition for Samsung. Shows total orders and again the potential for a more affordable (*14*).