BOE is pushing to become a secondary OLED supplier for Apple’s upcoming iPad Air, hoping to take some of Samsung Display’s custom orders.

The iPad Air is slated to receive an OLED panel in its spring 2027 refresh, with Samsung Display expected to remain the primary supplier. BOE wants to join the supply chain by developing OLED panels for the next iPad Air and convincing Apple of its capabilities.

Development is underway at the B12 facility in Chongqing, China, where BOE currently produces sixth‑generation OLED panels. The company has not yet reached mass‑production qualification but will send samples for Apple’s evaluation, with a decision expected by the end of 2026.

If BOE fails to qualify, Samsung will stay the sole supplier for the initial production run. Even if it succeeds, early shipments may be limited to refurbished units or the Chinese market. BOE’s past attempts—such as the iPhone 17 Pro displays in July 2025—highlight reliability challenges that could hinder its position in Apple’s premium supply chain.