Reports suggest LG Display struggles with supply chain problems, and may not be able to produce enough iPhone 17 AMOLEDs

According to industry reports, LG Display is struggling with problems in its supply chain, and the company is not able to produce enough iPhone 17 LTPO AMOLED panels to satisfy Apple's needs. It is suggested that Apple may have to shirt some of its orders to Samsung Display. It seems as if LG Display cannot get a stable supply of glass fiber, a raw material that LG Display uses as part of the AMOLED glass carrier glass process.

LG Display is producing AMOLED displays for Apple's latest iPhone 17, 17 Pro Max, and 17 Air models. Samsung Display, meanwhile, produces AMOLED displays to all of the iPhone 17 models, including the iPhone 17 Pro. It is estimated that SDC will bring its AMOLED fab utilization to close to 100% until the end of 2025 to satisfy Apple's demand.

BOE is also a supplier of AMOLED displays for Apple's iPhone 17 series - but its market share is less than 2%, and it is only producing panels for smartphones that will ship in mainland China. This is likely due to both quality issues, and IP issues. BOE finally settled with Samsung Display last week, it remains to be seen whether Apple will choose to include its displays in international models too. We understand there are still quality concerns with BOE's AMOLEDs.

This incident could have meaningful implications. Samsung has many times demonstrated to Apple (and other vendors) that it can reliable produce high quality AMOLED displays, and it has a stable supply chain, and this new incident could improve SDC's standing with Apple and secure its near-future AMOLED supply. LG Display, meanwhile, has recently reported a profitable quarter, and the company is hoping to have its first profitable year for quite some time in 2025, and we will have to see if this supply chain issue persists and causes problems for LGD.