Apple Approves Samsung Display for Foldable iPhone OLED Panel Production

​Apple has approved Samsung Display to begin producing OLED panels for its upcoming foldable iPhone, expected to launch in September. This decision follows a report from April that identified Samsung Display as the exclusive supplier of foldable OLED panels for the device.

Key Highlights

• Apple approves Samsung Display to produce OLED panels for foldable iPhone.
• Samsung Display achieves over 80 percent manufacturing yield and begins production in Vietnam.
• Apple requests initial batch of 3 million OLED panels for 2026.
• Foldable iPhone to use M16 luminescent material and Color Filter on Encapsulation technology.

Samsung Display Production Details

Samsung Display has achieved over 80% manufacturing yield for the foldable OLED panels. The company’s facility in Vietnam has already started operations to meet Apple’s requirements. Apple has requested an initial batch of 3 million OLED panels for this year.

This approval marks a significant step in the development of Apple’s first foldable iPhone. The partnership between Apple and Samsung Display highlights the importance of high-quality panel production for the new device.

Panel Technology and Materials

Earlier reports indicated that Apple would use Samsung Display’s M14 display stack for its foldable iPhone. However, the latest information reveals that Apple has chosen the newer M16 luminescent material instead. The M16 stack is designed to offer higher brightness, improved color reproduction, better power efficiency, and a longer lifespan.

The OLED panels for the foldable iPhone will also feature Color Filter on Encapsulation (CoE) technology. This technology enhances display durability and performance, which is critical for foldable devices.

Implications for the Foldable iPhone

The use of advanced OLED technology and the selection of Samsung Display as the exclusive supplier indicate Apple’s focus on quality and innovation for its first foldable iPhone. The company’s request for 3 million panels suggests strong expectations for demand at launch.

With production underway and new materials in use, Apple aims to deliver a foldable iPhone with improved display characteristics. The collaboration with Samsung Display is a key part of this effort.