Apple is reportedly planning to split the next iPhone launch into two parts. Previously, the leak suggested that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could launch in September while the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e could launch in 2027. While the spotlight will remain on the iPhone 18 Pro series and the rumoured iPhone Fold, leaks about the iPhone 18 also hint at some much-needed upgrades.
If the leaks are believed to be true, the iPhone 18 may get a big jump in display brightness. As per a tipster, Apple has raised its OLED panel requirements well beyond the current levels. The reports suggest that tougher standards could sideline one of Apple’s existing suppliers while rival manufacturers stand to benefit.
In a recent Weibo post, tipster Instant Digital claims that Apple has set “unprecedentedly high requirements for light transmittance” (translated from Chinese) for the OLED panel on the iPhone 18. These requirements are said to be far higher than those used for the company’s existing smartphones. As a result, Chinese display maker BOE is unlikely to supply screens for the device.
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For the unversed, Apple has steadily improved the display brightness levels. The iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and iPhone 17 offer 1,000 nits of typical brightness and up to 1,600 nits for HDR content. The iPhone 17 also offers 3,000 nits of peak brightness.
A recent report from South Korea also shed some light on the fact that the Chinese supplier is dealing with ongoing manufacturing issues in its OLED production lines. These problems have reportedly forced BOE to halt production of some panels and pushed Apple to shift millions of display orders to Samsung Display.
The quality issues are said to affect OLED panels used in recent iPhone generations, including the iPhone 15, iPhone 16 and iPhone 17. As a result, BOE’s role as a display supplier, particularly for iPhones sold in China, could shrink even further.