As the iPhone 16 lineup gears up for production, a hiccup in approval has delayed the arrival of screens for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, raising questions about Apple's manufacturing timeline.
While screens for most iPhone 16 models are reportedly in production, suppliers are awaiting approval for the iPhone 16 Pro Max displays. This delay, highlighted in a recent report by The Elec, is unusual given Apple's typical manufacturing cadence.
Traditionally, LG Display and Samsung, Apple's key partners, handle screen production. BOE is also joining the roster for the non-Pro lineup. However, the approval process for the iPhone 16 Pro Max screens is lagging behind, with Samsung expected to receive approval by the end of May and LG by mid-June.
The reason behind this delay remains unclear, especially considering the historical precedence of the iPhone 16 Pro Max being a larger iteration of the iPhone 16 Pro. Notably, there have been no rumors suggesting a shift to dual-layer OLED screens, unlike those used in the iPad Pro.
Despite the approval hold-up, significant enhancements are anticipated for both iPhone 16 Pro models. The iPhone 16 Pro is set to feature a 6.27-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max will boast a larger 6.85-inch screen, with thinner bezels adding to the sleek design.
Rumored to deliver a maximum brightness of 1,200 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1,600 nits, the iPhone 16 Pro line promises improved display capabilities compared to its predecessors.
While The Elec's insights into Apple's supply chain are reputable, translating this data into concrete timelines for Apple's plans can be less accurate. Therefore, while the delay in screen approval may impact production, its effect on delivery schedules remains uncertain.