BOE Fails Apple's OLED Panel Validation for Second Time This Year

[MacRumors]

Chinese display maker BOE has reportedly failed yet again to secure a supply order from Apple for OLED panels for iPhones.

According to TheElec, OBE is still facing manufacturing issues at its Chengdu plant in Sichuan province, meaning the display maker has failed to secure Apple's validation for the OLED screens for the second time this year.

BOE's plant in Mianyang – in the same province – suffered the same fate in June, due to a low production yield rate of around 20 percent.

Apple's review for Chengdu began in September but only lasted a month and ended in failure in October, according to the report. BOE will now have to wait until the first half of 2021 to reattempt to clinch a supply deal, which means next year's iPhone series will likely use panels made by Samsung and LG Display.

BOE will have to wait until between May and June before it learns the results of its third review. If it does pass, the panels it supplies will be able to be used for refurbished iPhone 12 models.

Apple is expected to ship next year's "iPhone 13" in four models and similar sizes to this year's iPhone 12 series, but the OLED panels used for the next-generation iPhone are said to be more technologically sophisticated.

Rumors suggest Apple is planning to adopt 120Hz ProMotion displays for at least two models in next year's iPhone lineup, made possible by a shift to low-power LTPO OLED technology. LTPO offers a more power efficient backplane, which turns the individual pixels on and off on the display, and allows for better battery life.

The two models with LTPO are likely to be the Pro models, which are the ones rumored to adopt ProMotion technology. All four 2021 iPhone models are expected to use on-cell touch screens as well, which allows multitouch functionality to be embedded on top of a thin-film transistor (TFT) rather than as a separate component above the display.

Article Link: BOE Fails Apple's OLED Panel Validation for Second Time This Year

 

[Populus]

I’m afraid that, whenever this screens make their way to cheaper iPhones (the iPhone 12 mini and regular 12 next year), this screens will be noticeably worse. That’s the only thing pushing me to get a new iPhone right now, otherwise I’d wait a year -at least-.

Hopefully Apple wont be OK with this screens until they match Samsung/LG quality. But I doubt it.

 

[EvilEvil]

Apple should just go with LG.

 

[Whathappened]

I’m afraid that, whenever this screens make their way to cheaper iPhones (the iPhone 12 mini and regular 12 next year), this screens will be noticeably worse. That’s the only thing pushing me to get a new iPhone right now, otherwise I’d wait a year -at least-.

Hopefully Apple wont be OK with this screens until they match Samsung/LG quality. But I doubt it.

why? If they don’t meet the standards, they don’t get the job.
If something will be wrong with your display you will have warranty.

 

[Populus]

The two models with LTPO are likely to be the Pro models, which are the ones rumored to adopt ProMotion technology

This is, from my point of view, a mistake. I’m ok with 120Hz screens being only for pro models, it makes sense, but the LTPO screens allow for lower power consumption and always on displays like the Apple Watch Series 5 and 6, and that’s a feature I’d want for all four iPhones

 

[zeezun]

must be crack, apple doesnt want to give samsung more display orders. deluded lol

 

[zeezun]

Apple should just go with LG.

do they have the capacity? thats the problem

 

[agsystems]

"LTPO offers a more power efficient backplane, which turns the individual pixels on and off on the display, and allows for better battery life"

really, doesn't OLED do that WITHOUT LTPO - the main point of why Apple wants LTPO its to be able to ramp from 1hz to 120hz

 

[Jamalien]

"LTPO offers a more power efficient backplane, which turns the individual pixels on and off on the display, and allows for better battery life"

really, doesn't OLED do that WITHOUT LTPO - the main point of why Apple wants LTPO its be able to ramp from 1hz to 120hz

No, the backplane is responsible for controlling subpixel voltages, and does itself draw power. I.e. even with a blank screen, oled panels still consume power when 'on'. (I THINK). Just a poorly worded sentence

 

[uller6]

No, the backplane is responsible for controlling whether the pixels are on/off, and draws power. I.e. even with a blank screen, oled panels still consume power when 'on'

LTPO will replace polysilicon for the backplane transistors that turn the individual LEDs on or off. LTPO offers higher mobility transparent transistors, enabling higher refresh rates at lower power than polysilicon.

Edit: here's a short high-level summary of the technology - https://www.copperpodip.com/post/20...ft-technology-promises-prolonged-battery-life

 

[newdeal]

if they are having this hard a time getting a deal then once they get one you can assume their quality will fall back to unacceptable levels

 

[rizzo41999]

Stick with Japanese and Korean mfrs.

 

[BGPL]

Seems like they are trying to do the bare minimum. I wonder who these displays are going to when Apple isn't around? Generic android devices on Amazon or bigger brands?

Say what you will about Apple, but their stuff lasts and the quality is usually unmatched. That's why I keep buying Macs.

 

[ilikewhey]

LTPO offers a more power efficient backplane, which turns the individual pixels on and off on the display, and allows for better battery life.

confused, doesn't the current oled do this already?

 

[citysnaps]

if they are having this hard a time getting a deal then once they get one you can assume their quality will fall back to unacceptable levels

That doesn't make any sense. If they fall back to unacceptable levels they'll be rejected and Apple will select another vendor.

 

[SRLMJ23]

Apple should tell them, "three strikes, and you are out!"

Seriously though, this is BOE's second fail, this year. If they cannot get things straightened out for the next panel validation, maybe it is time to move on to someone else?

 

[StellarVixen]

Reminder: OLEDs are literally grown, not made.

 

[gnomeisland]

Apple should tell them, "three strikes, and you are out!"

Seriously though, this is BOE's second fail, this year. If they cannot get things straightened out for the next panel validation, maybe it is time to move on to someone else?

I think the problem is there isn’t really “someone else” the only company turning out the quantity they need at the quality they want is Samsung.

 

[now i see it]

The sooner the era of the OLED Display ends, the better.
It's definitely time for better tech

 

[ksec]

I’m afraid that, whenever this screens make their way to cheaper iPhones (the iPhone 12 mini and regular 12 next year), this screens will be noticeably worse. That’s the only thing pushing me to get a new iPhone right now, otherwise I’d wait a year -at least-.

Hopefully Apple wont be OK with this screens until they match Samsung/LG quality. But I doubt it.

Dont worry much ( for now ) even if they are cleared the likelihood or those OLED iPhone's sold outside of China is slim.

Seems like they are trying to do the bare minimum. I wonder who these displays are going to when Apple isn't around? Generic android devices on Amazon or bigger brands?

Say what you will about Apple, but their stuff lasts and the quality is usually unmatched. That's why I keep buying Macs.

Chinese Brands. Well I mean there aren't many place left to go. If you exclude Samsung and Apple, the next 8 in the Top 10 list are all Chinese.

 

[JM]

Hooray! No screen lottery this year! 😄

 

[mactactic]

Apple needs to start transitioning away from China. There human rights are atrocious.

 

[Murdock12]

That doesn't make any sense. If they fall back to unacceptable levels they'll be rejected and Apple will select another vendor.

Companies do this all the time, including Foxconn who has been caught multiple times reneging on their agreements with Apple and hoping they could get away with it. Plus there’s almost no competition for Samsung and LG regarding high-quality large scale manufacturing to Apple can’t just go “select another vendor” without causing major disruptions to the supply chain. Once a deal is made and Apple relies on the company, sure Apple can terminate an agreement for material breach of contract but it’ll be a costly decision. Apple may be able to sue for damages but remember that litigation is extremely expensive at the corporate level and attorneys fees are often not included in a settlement or judgement. Plus, if this supplier isn’t in the US then Apple will have to convince the Chinese government to assist in collecting any judgment that is ordered by a US court - not exactly a guarantee.

 

[syklee26]

I understand that Companies have to squeeze every penny to maximize profit, but this is why you don’t always go with the cheapest. Think about the lost revenue caused by going with the absolute cheapest supplier. BOE has NEVER been an upper echelon in terms of high yield manufacturing capabilities. Apple should’ve gone with LG or Samsung.

Also, think about all these quality issues Apple has faced recently. This is why I do not like Tim Cook. He is just so bottom-line driven that he has smudged Apple’s core value built by the heart and soul of Steve Jobs; make products people really want to buy.

Hey Tim, don’t ever think people will always be loyal to Apple. Keep screwing around, and people will leave.

 

[javisan]

Hooray! No screen lottery this year! 😄

🤣 sorry to disappoint you, take a look at the 85+ page thread in the forum with iPhone 12 users reporting a yellow tint on the displays, more pervasive than in prior years.

I’m one of the release day 12 Pro owners who ended up returning for a refund as there is no lottery to play, all units I saw at 2 different Apple stores were the same or worse than my unit.