Apple ordering 70 million Samsung OLED panels for 'iPhone 8' - report
Apple has ordered 70 million OLED panels from Samsung for the upcoming "iPhone 8," and could ask for even more depending on demand, a report said on Monday.
The 70 million figure is for this year, according to several Nikkei sources. The claim was backed up by IHS Markit analyst David Hsieh, who added that Samsung could deliver as many as 95 million panels if Apple needs them.
Regardless of order size, some panels could be for iPhones going into manufacturing this year but only selling in 2018, once again depending on demand.
In February a South Korean report claimed that Apple had entered into a $4.3 billion contract with Samsung for 60 million OLED panels. It could be that Apple has decided to increase numbers as part of a more optimistic forecast.
One Nikkei source reiterated claims that the "iPhone 8" will feature wireless charging and 3D facial recognition, in addition to replacing a physical home button with a virtual one. The device should also be waterproof like the iPhone 7, possibly upgrading to an IP68 rating.
Apple is also expected to offer two LCD-based models sized at 4.7 and 5.5 inches, sharing wireless charging and waterproofing in common but retaining a physical home button.
Nikkei suggested that the OLED phone will feature a 5.2-inch display, but that differs with most reports pointing to a 5.8-inch panel. The disparity could be linked to claims elsewhere that virtual buttons will take up about 0.7 inches.
The 70 million figure is for this year, according to several Nikkei sources. The claim was backed up by IHS Markit analyst David Hsieh, who added that Samsung could deliver as many as 95 million panels if Apple needs them.
Regardless of order size, some panels could be for iPhones going into manufacturing this year but only selling in 2018, once again depending on demand.
In February a South Korean report claimed that Apple had entered into a $4.3 billion contract with Samsung for 60 million OLED panels. It could be that Apple has decided to increase numbers as part of a more optimistic forecast.
One Nikkei source reiterated claims that the "iPhone 8" will feature wireless charging and 3D facial recognition, in addition to replacing a physical home button with a virtual one. The device should also be waterproof like the iPhone 7, possibly upgrading to an IP68 rating.
Apple is also expected to offer two LCD-based models sized at 4.7 and 5.5 inches, sharing wireless charging and waterproofing in common but retaining a physical home button.
Nikkei suggested that the OLED phone will feature a 5.2-inch display, but that differs with most reports pointing to a 5.8-inch panel. The disparity could be linked to claims elsewhere that virtual buttons will take up about 0.7 inches.
Comments
If that's true, Apple's cost per panel is roughly $72. How does that compare to an LCD panel?
And also to spook Sammy!
What they left out ... Samsung is the only company capable of delivering anywhere near that many panels, and will be for the foreseeable future. Just as their foundries are the only ones capable of making 10 nm SOCs in high volumes.
Hence why all signs point to both the 7s and the 8 (or whatever its called. For now it is the "8" until it is not).
In my opinion these quantity "reports" were compiled by someone who didn't think to do the math before creating their junk. That this latest "report" is based on "research" done by Nikkei reinforces my belief its junk being reported/spread by the blogosphere as fact. It is not.
Apple, like all quantity buyers, purchase for annualized production runs with scheduled delivery. These agreements include order increase/decrease parameters at the same price points with price increases when the base order is increased/decreased by more than the agreed upon parameters. Increasing from 70 million to 95 million (35%) without an increase in unit cost is a fairy tale.
If the quantity is correct, then the report is implying (at most) 95 million OLED iPhones during FY2018. That's quite possible, but not with a purchase contract of $4.3 Billion.
Or 5, 5S Plus and 5C
2) While I never use teems like Scamsung, Windoze, or Crapple, it is possible to dislike aspects of a company and still recognize their importance in the tech world.
Maybe Tim will even announce the new models early.
Steve Jobs announced the first iPhone in January, 2007 and it was released on June 29th.
Maybe Cook will announce the new iPhones in June for a September release.
Probably wishful thinking but my wallet is already open and waiting.