Apple is expected to launch a fourth-generation iPhone SE early next year, featuring an OLED display for the first time. This marks the completion of Apple’s adoption of OLED technology across all iPhone models.

According to Nikkei Asia, the transition from LCD displays will exclude two longstanding Japanese panel makers, Japan Display (JDI) and Sharp, from Apple’s iPhone supply chain. Apple introduced OLED screens with the iPhone X in 2017. Since then, OLED displays have replaced LCD screens in Apple’s high-end iPhone models, significantly impacting LCD suppliers.

Impact on Japanese LCD Suppliers

In 2015, JDI and Sharp provided approximately 200 million LCD panels annually for iPhones. However, by 2023, this number had dramatically decreased to around 20 million. Recently, Apple’s gradual adoption of OLED technology has limited these Japanese LCD makers to supplying iPhone SE models only.

Currently, JDI supplies small OLED displays for devices like the Apple Watch. The company is now focusing on revamping its business strategy around LCDs for automotive applications. Meanwhile, Sharp is scaling back its LCD business, which was primarily focused on TVs.

New Suppliers for OLED Displays

Apple has reportedly begun placing orders for OLED displays for the upcoming iPhone SE from China’s BOE Technology Group and South Korea’s LG Display. The fourth-generation iPhone SE is rumored to feature an iPhone 14-like design, Face ID instead of Touch ID, a USB-C port, an Action button, an Apple-designed 5G modem, an A18 processor, and an all-screen look that eliminates the Home Button.

Enhanced Features and Design

The device’s display is expected to increase in size from 4.7 inches to 6.06 inches. Internal RAM is likely to be 8GB, up from 4GB in the 2022 model, due to the hardware requirements of Apple Intelligence. Apple suppliers are anticipated to begin mass production of the device in October of this year.

Expected Release Date

The fourth-generation iPhone SE could be released ahead of the Lunar New Year in January 2025. However, given that all three existing iPhone SE models were announced in March over the years, a March 2025 release also seems possible.