Samsung Bags Exclusive Order to Supply OLED Panels for Apple's First Foldable iPhone
According to recent reports from supply chain sources, including Digitimes, Apple is planning to launch its first foldable iPhone in 2026, and Samsung Display has secured the exclusive order to supply the OLED panels for the initial production run.
The upcoming foldable iPhone is expected to feature a 7.6-inch screen with an in-folding design, which has become a mainstream trend in the foldable device market. Samsung Display will be the sole supplier of the OLED panels for this device, with the order reportedly accounting for about 40% of Samsung's total foldable panel shipments. This deal further cements Samsung's leading position in the flexible display technology sector.
To meet Apple's demand, Samsung Display is currently expanding its A4 production line, aiming to increase the monthly capacity to 30,000 panels by the second quarter of 2026. Mass production of the foldable OLED panels is anticipated to begin in mid-2026, aligning with Apple's typical fall product launch schedule. The initial order from Apple is estimated to be between 6 million and 8 million units.
The OLED panels for this foldable iPhone will integrate two key technologies. First, the Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide (LTPO) thin-film transistor technology will enable dynamic screen refresh rate adjustments, significantly reducing power consumption. Second, the Color on Encapsulation (CoE) technology, which eliminates the traditional polarizer layer, will enhance screen brightness and improve energy efficiency.
While Samsung Display will dominate the initial supply, analysts predict that Apple may later introduce other suppliers, such as LG Display, to diversify its supply chain and mitigate risks.
