Apple’s upcoming redesigned iPad Air is expected to move to OLED, and display maker BOE is reportedly working to win a secondary supplier role for the panels. Multiple reports, citing South Korea’s The Elec, say Samsung Display remains the primary OLED supplier and is preparing to ramp production ahead of the tablet’s launch window.
The Elec reports BOE is expanding its OLED efforts at its B12 fab in Chongqing, which includes a sixth-generation OLED production line. It is expected to submit samples for Apple’s qualification process. A BOE decision on whether it can secure commercial orders is expected around November or December, with Apple typically approving production only one to two months before mass production begins. If BOE does not meet requirements, Samsung Display would handle the initial production.
The outlets also differ slightly in emphasis: MacRumors provides details about BOE’s expected early volume limits, including potential focus on Chinese-market units or refurbished devices. AppleInsider highlights BOE’s interest in taking some of Apple’s OLED custom away from Samsung Display, but notes Samsung is still viewed as the likely main supplier for the iPad Air OLED panels.
