iPhone 14: one of Apple’s screen suppliers encounters production problems

The iPhone 14s are in production. While the experimental phase has just begun, one of Apple’s screen suppliers encountered major production problems. The shortage of chips is obviously the cause of this setback.

True to its schedule, Apple has just launched the first phase of production of the iPhone 14. Initiated in early February, this test phase aims to identify possible problems in the production of smartphones or in the design of the iPhone 14. De facto, the Cupertino company should have stopped on the final design of its iPhone.

Shortly after the launch of the experimental phase, one of Apple’s display suppliers encountered production problems. Based on information obtained by The Elec from the industry, BOE Technology, a Chinese firm specializing in display panels, would not be able to produce the 40 million OLED screens promised to Apple. The Schenzen-based company supplies touchscreens to many manufacturers, including Honor and Huawei.

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Chip shortage disrupts production of iPhone 14 screens

BOE Technology would ultimately not able to provide 20% of screens needed to mass production of the iPhone 14. Apple relied on BOE production lines to reduce its dependence on screens produced by Samsung and LG.

Samsung, the OLED leader, was only to produce 60% of touch screens intended for future iPhones, against 20% for LG. For several years, the Cupertino giant has been trying to reduce the share of screens provided by the South Korean leader. As always, Apple is reluctant to depend on a single supplier. This is why LG has gradually taken over an increasingly large share of the production of screens for the iPhone.

According to information from The Elec, BOE Technology would be among the victims of the shortage of computer chips. Deprived of a display circuit, the company would have reduced the production capacities of its factories. LX Semicon, which supplies the display circuitry, apparently gives priority to LGa larger customer than BOE.

Eventually, BOE would only be able to produce 10% of OLED screens devoted to iPhones. This setback should not upset the production schedule for the iPhone 14. Unless there is a surprise, Apple should launch high-end smartphones next September.

Source: The Elec