Samsung may currently be a solo act as the lone supplier of OLED displays for Apple’s iPhone lineup, but it may have company very soon.
MacRumors has shared a research note from Barclays analysts that says fellow Korean electronics firm LG will likely begin sharing OLED production duties for the 2019 iPhone lineup. Chinese manufacturer BOE could pick up some more of the slack as soon as 2020.
This isn’t the first report to have predicted that Apple may bring in LG and BOE to help Samsung with the OLED display tasks. Apple is always on the lookout to diversify its supply chain, as part of a strategy to reduce any supply chain risks, while improving its negotiations stance when it’s time to renew contracts.
Just as they did in 2018, Apple is expected to launch three new iPhones in 2019, including two flagship 5.8-inch and 6.5-inch OLED models and one cheaper 6.1-inch LCD model. Many expect Apple to transition to an all-OLED iPhone lineup in 2020.