Apple’s iPhone SE lineup has been a popular choice for those looking for a more affordable iPhone option. While the last affordable iPhone SE was launched in 2022, it seems Apple will skip a year and release the next model in 2025, according to a recent report from Korea.
One of the key features of the upcoming iPhone SE will be its OLED screen, a first for the affordable range. Previous models of the iPhone SE were equipped with LCD panels, so this upgrade will mark a significant improvement in display quality for the budget-friendly iPhone.
Three display makers are reportedly vying for Apple’s orders for the next iPhone SE’s OLED panels. Samsung, surprisingly, offered the lowest price per panel at $30, followed by BOE at $35 and Tianma at $40. However, Apple has countered with an offer of $20 per panel, indicating that negotiations are still ongoing.
The OLED panels for the next iPhone SE are expected to be similar to those used in the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14. This suggests that the 2025 iPhone SE could feature a 6.1-inch screen with a resolution of 1170×2532, a 1,200-nit peak brightness, and possibly even Ceramic Shield glass for added durability.
Both Samsung Display and BOE are said to have secured good yields for these panels, while Tianma is reportedly not a serious contender due to its technological lag behind the competition. Samsung’s advantage in offering the lowest price may stem from its experience in making panels for the iPhone 14, allowing it to use existing tooling or inventory for the next iPhone SE.
