Samsung is believed to be Apple's exclusive supplier of OLED displays for iPhones, but it may have company soon.

2018 iphone trio
In a research note shared with MacRumors, Barclays analysts said fellow Korean company LG will likely support OLED display production for 2019 iPhones, possibly followed by Chinese manufacturer BOE as early as 2020.

Multiple reports have indicated that Apple may tap LG and BOE as additional OLED display suppliers. Apple aims to diversify its supply chain as much as possible, often securing at least two suppliers for any given component, a strategy that reduces its supply chain risk and improves its negotiating position.

Apple is widely expected to launch three new iPhones in 2019, including two higher-end 5.8-inch and 6.5-inch OLED models and one lower-end 6.1-inch LCD model. In 2020, rumors suggest Apple will complete its transition to an all-OLED lineup, including 5.4-inch, 6.1-inch, and 6.7-inch models.

Tags: Barclays, BOE, LG, OLED
Related Forum: iPhone

Top Rated Comments

BootsWalking Avatar
83 months ago
Here comes OLEDgate, where owners keep returning their new iPhones until they get one that has a Samsung panel in it.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Harthag Avatar
83 months ago
So for $1000 I can get an iPhone with an inferior Intel modem and now in all likelihood inferior OLED display. I have more confidence in BOE than LG when it comes to phone OLED. Up until this point, there has been a very noticeable difference in quality of Samsung vs. LG OLED phone screens for those who have used both. I hope I am wrong.

Every single phone on display at Apple stores will use Samsung screens to show off quality. And you'll get home and open up your craptastic LG display full of grain, smear, and pink hue.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Zwhaler Avatar
83 months ago
Cue the "mine has an LG, should I return it?" posts
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Harthag Avatar
83 months ago
1. I doubt it is happening in 2019 iPhone, after Apple could not fulfil its previous expected OLED order and paid the penalty, the likelihood of Apple not bargaining a much better deal for 2019 iPhone OLED supply is next to zero. ( You can think of the penalty more like a upfront payment for their next contract )

2. I doubt OLED from LG and BOE will be anywhere near as good as Samsung, especially the OLED used on iPhone which is quite different to even OLED used in Samsung's phone. So the only possibility of an OLED supply from LG and BOE are OLED being used in 2020 iPhone 12R. The S Line will continue to be Samsung dominated.
I don't understand why Google is able to use (a very good) Samsung OLED in the "cheap" 3a and 1+ uses the best screen I've ever seen from Samsung in the 7 Pro (it is better than Samsung's own S10+ that I had, and my XS for that matter).

If Google can put a Samsung OLED into its $400 phone there is no reason other than greed / choice to pay less for components (in my opinion) for Apple to use LG / BOE.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mactendo Avatar
83 months ago
I’m glad I prefer LCD.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CarpalMac Avatar
83 months ago
Here comes OLEDgate, where owners keep returning their new iPhones until they get one that has a Samsung panel in it.
But, but, but.. that'd be Samsung. So many on here keep stating how they will never buy anything Samsung, ever.

I'm so confused....:confused:
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

apple store down feature

Here's Why the Apple Store is Going Down

Thursday November 27, 2025 1:01 pm PST by
Apple's online store is going down for a few hours on a rolling country-by-country basis right now, but do not get your hopes up for new products. Apple takes its online store down for a few hours ahead of Black Friday every year to tease/prepare for its annual gift card offer with the purchase of select products. The store already went down and came back online in Australia and New Zealand, ...
iPhone Pocket Short

iPhone Pocket is Now Completely Sold Out Worldwide

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:16 am PST by
Apple recently teamed up with Japanese fashion brand ISSEY MIYAKE to create the iPhone Pocket, a limited-edition knitted accessory designed to carry an iPhone. However, it is now completely sold out in all countries where it was released. iPhone Pocket became available to order on Apple's online store starting Friday, November 14, in the United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, ...
New Intel Logo

Apple and Intel Rumored to Partner on Mac Chips Again in a New Way

Friday November 28, 2025 7:33 am PST by
While all Macs are now powered by Apple's custom-designed chips, a new rumor claims that Apple may rekindle its partnership with Intel, albeit in a new and limited way. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said Intel is expected to begin shipping Apple's lowest-end M-series chip as early as mid-2027. Kuo said Apple plans to utilize Intel's 18A process, which is the "earliest...
streaming black friday 2025

Best Black Friday Streaming Deals - Save Big on Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, and More

Thursday November 27, 2025 1:14 pm PST by
We've been focusing on deals on physical products over the past few weeks, but Black Friday is also a great time of year to purchase a streaming membership. Some of the biggest services have great discounts for new and select returning members this week, including Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When...
iphone air camera

iPhone Air Flop Sparks Industry Retreat From Ultra-Thin Phones

Thursday November 27, 2025 3:14 am PST by
Apple's disappointing iPhone Air sales are causing major Chinese mobile vendors to scrap or freeze their own ultra-thin phone projects, according to reports coming out of Asia. Since the ‌iPhone Air‌ launched in September, there have been reports of poor sales and manufacturing cuts, while Apple's supply chain has scaled back shipments and production. Apple supplier Foxconn has...
iphone black friday gold

The Best Black Friday iPhone Deals Still Available

Friday November 28, 2025 6:24 am PST by
Cellular carriers have always offered big savings on the newest iPhone models during the holidays, and Black Friday 2025 sales have kicked off at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and more. Right now we're tracking notable offers on the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. For even more savings, keep an eye on older models during the holiday shopping season. Note: MacRumors is...
Apple Foldable Thumb

Foldable iPhone to Debut These Three Breakthrough Features

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:09 am PST by
Apple's first foldable iPhone is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in fall 2026, and it's shaping up to include three standout features that could set it apart from the competition. The book-style foldable will reportedly feature an industry-first 24-megapixel under-display camera built into the inner display, according to a recent JP Morgan equity research report. That...