The chip crisis, which came right after the coronavirus that broke out in 2019, directly affected smartphones as it does in every sector. This situation, while the companies that supply screens to companies are also tied up, BOE, which produces iPhone 13 panels, has come to the fore with an interesting event recently.
unauthorized change in iPhone 13 panel design from BOE
Chinese component manufacturer BOE is one of the companies in Apple’s supply chain. The company has come to the fore with quality problems several times before, and even failed to pass Apple’s tests with its panels. However, it managed to enter the company’s display supply chain with the iPhone 12 series.
According to the news in TheElec, things have not been going well for BOE lately. Because Apple has decided that the company that produces screens for the 6.1-inch iPhone 13 models will stop production in February. The reason for this is that the company has taken the initiative and increased the circuit width of thin-film transistors without permission due to the ongoing component shortage (IC). In short, we can say that it changes the design of the panel without obtaining permission from Apple.
Apple also told the company to stop production after noticing this change. In fact, by directing the IC (DDI) components that BOE needs in this regard to another supplier, LG Display, it has greatly reduced the company’s activity in the display supply chain. Therefore, if the BOE cannot find a solution to the problem, it may not meet its production targets.
Finally, we should point out that as seen above, BOE is not Apple’s only display supplier. Therefore, a screen-related increase in iPhone 13 prices is not expected soon. However, if the problems of BOE, which produces OLED panels of 10 percent of all iPhones in 2021, continue for a long time, a critical hike decision may come from Apple.
So what do you think about this issue? When do you think the ongoing chip crisis will be resolved? Do not forget to share your views with us in the comments section or on the SDN Forum.