The long-awaited arrival of Apple’s foldable iPhone and the introduction of their first OLED MacBook Pro has contributed to an expected dominance by Korean manufacturers in the new display rollout for Apple.
By 2026, Apple will be placing all of its OLED panel orders with its South Korean display partners, Samsung Display and LG Display, with BOE, a Chinese manufacturer, being left out entirely.
Why BOE Got Cut
BOE’s exclusion stems from quality issues that reportedly affected shipments of OLED panels for last year’s iPhone 17 Pro. Although the Chinese supplier resumed deliveries earlier this year, Apple appears to have lost confidence in the partnership and shifted its full order book back to Samsung and LG — a significant setback for BOE’s ambitions in the premium display segment.
Samsung’s Starring Role
Samsung Display is set to be the most consequential supplier in the lineup. The South Korean giant will reportedly serve as the exclusive panel provider for three major product categories: the upcoming iPad mini, Apple’s long-rumoured foldable iPhone, and the first-ever OLED MacBook Pro models. Production of MacBook Pro panels is expected to begin next month, when Samsung’s new 8.6-generation OLED production line comes online. The foldable iPhone alone is said to account for approximately 10 million panel orders, with the iPad mini adding another 2 million.
LG’s Steady Hand
LG Display will continue as the exclusive supplier for the Apple Watch Series 12, producing approximately 34 million OLED panels for that product. Samsung and LG will be sharing responsibility for manufacturing iPhone18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max displays, with a total of approximately 90 million display orders combined from both companies.
What’s New in the Technology
Beyond the supply chain reshuffle, Apple’s 2026 lineup is expected to introduce LTPO+ OLED panels in the iPhone 18 Pro series, promising improved power efficiency, better refresh rate control, and enhanced responsiveness in low-light conditions.
If the reports hold, 2026 will mark Apple’s most expansive OLED push to date cementing Samsung and LG’s grip on the premium end of the global display market.
