Apple chooses Samsung for foldable iPhone OLED displays

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Apple chose Samsung Display as the exclusive supplier of OLED panels for its first foldable iPhone, expected to launch in 2026, according to a new report. The decision marks a departure from Apple’s typical multi-supplier strategy. It could help ensure high quality and reinvigorate the foldable OLED market.

Apple’s decision to rely solely on Samsung Display, excluding other potential suppliers like LG Display and Chinese manufacturer BOE, stems from Samsung’s “technological edge in minimizing screen creases,” according to BusinessKorea. Reportedly unhappy with crease-ridden alternatives, Apple explored options for years before deciding to go with the Galaxy Z Fold maker.

“For Apple, which prioritizes quality over price when selecting component suppliers, Samsung was the only viable choice,” an industry insider noted.

2 OLED displays in 1

The upcoming foldable iPhone likely will feature a premium 7.8-inch OLED main display when unfolded, similar in size to the iPad mini. An external 5.5-inch OLED screen for use when the device is folded will complement the bigger screen. With an anticipated price point of around $2,000, the new product will compete directly with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series in the premium foldable market.

Samsung plans to begin full-scale production of these specialized displays either by the end of 2025 or early 2026. The Korean display manufacturer’s six years of experience with foldable OLED technology since launching the original Galaxy Fold in 2019 reportedly played a crucial role in securing the exclusive contract.

Strategic shift

Apple’s choice to work with a single supplier represents a strategic shift from its usual approach of engaging multiple vendors to drive down costs while maintaining quality standards. That’s notable given Apple’s reported history with LG Display in this area. Earlier reports suggested that Apple worked with LG on foldable display technology as early as 2016. Some accounts describing a “task force” formed in 2017 specifically for future foldable iPhone screens.

The visible crease that appears in the center of unfolded screens created a big challenge for foldable devices. It’s reportedly a key reason for Apple’s delayed entry into this market. Apple, dissatisfied with the prominent creases in competitor models, wanted to wait until the technology advanced enough to make this flaw barely noticeable.

Supply could exceed 15 million units a year

Final estimated supply volume for the foldable iPhone remains unknown. But industry projections suggest production could exceed the initially expected 9 million units annually. And it could reach over 15 million units.

This substantial demand could also reinvigorate the foldable OLED market. It experienced only a modest growth of 2.9% last year, according to Counterpoint Research.

Apple chooses Samsung for foldable iPhone OLED displays: Boon to market overall

Apple’s entry into the foldable segment should generate excitement among high-income consumers, particularly in North America. And it could serve as a catalyst for renewed interest across the entire foldable device market. As one industry source quoted in the BusinessKorea report stated, “Breaking into the world’s top smartphone company by sales alone practically guarantees success.”

For Samsung Display, this exclusive partnership could well boost its market share in the foldable OLED sector. It fell to approximately 40% last year due to competition from aggressive Chinese manufacturers. With this Apple contract, Samsung’s market share could climb dramatically to around 70% next year.