Apple is moving ahead with plans for a budget-friendly addition to its lineup, the iPhone SE 4. Reports indicate this model will reuse the front-end display panel from the iPhone 13 to cut manufacturing costs, with BOE and LG positioned as the primary OLED panel suppliers. The information comes from industry outlets including Wccftech, which has tracked the rumored sourcing and production trajectory for this device.
To keep costs down, Apple is said to have ported over several display features from the iPhone 13 to the iPhone SE 4. The changes reportedly include the removal of ProMotion high-refresh-rate support, less precise color tuning, and reduced maximum brightness on the backlight. If accurate, these adjustments could influence the perceived quality of the user experience, especially for users who expect the smoother visuals associated with higher-end models.
Industry insiders note that BOE has committed to supplying around 20 million OLED panels for the iPhone SE 4. This level of production is notable given the device’s positioning as a more value-focused option within Apple’s catalog. In terms of timing, mass production is anticipated to begin around late 2024, with a launch window projected for early 2025. The scale of the supply arrangement points to significant demand expectations in both the North American market and globally, as consumers look for affordable iPhone options with dependable OLED technology.
In parallel, Tianma has expressed interest in joining the list of display suppliers for the iPhone SE 4, alongside LG and BOE. However, industry insiders suggest that Apple remains cautious about engaging with Tianma due to perceived gaps in product quality when compared with the established suppliers. This hesitation underscores Apple’s ongoing focus on delivering consistent, reliable display performance across its lower-cost devices while protecting the overall user experience and brand reputation.
Beyond the SE family, anticipation continues around subsequent flagship iterations such as the iPhone 16 Pro and the 16 Pro Max, with observers watching closely how Apple will balance feature sets, battery life, and panel technologies in the mid-range segment as it expands its global footprint. Analysts emphasize that the company’s display strategy—whether emphasizing higher refresh rates, color accuracy, or vivid brightness—will play a central role in differentiating its budget-friendly option from other mid-range competitors in North America and beyond.