Samsung Set to Dominate OLED Supply for Apple’s 2024-2026 Device Lineup

Samsung To Be Biggest OLED Supplier For Apple

In a major win for Samsung Display, the tech giant is poised to become Apple's primary supplier of OLED panels for the upcoming iPhone 16 series and future iPad models. This development underscores Samsung's manufacturing prowess and signals a deepening partnership between the two tech behemoths.

iPhone 16: Samsung Takes the Lead

Samsung Display has already kicked off production for the iPhone 16's OLED panels, with a significant ramp-up occurring in July. While LG Display will also contribute, Samsung is expected to ship around 80 million OLED panels to Apple by year's end, dwarfing LG's projected 43 million units.

Apple's ambitious target of 90 million iPhone 16 units this year has prompted its suppliers to overproduce by 30%, resulting in a total of 120 million panels. This strategy ensures a buffer against potential supply chain disruptions, which have plagued the tech industry in recent years.

The iPhone 16 lineup is rumored to include four models:

  • iPhone 16
  • iPhone 16 Plus
  • iPhone 16 Pro (with a possible 6.3-inch screen)
  • iPhone 16 Pro Max (potentially featuring a 6.8-inch display)

Beyond the display upgrades, the iPhone 16 series is expected to boast a faster processor, improved 5G capabilities, enhanced cameras, a new ‘Capture Button' for quick landscape mode photography, and Wi-Fi 7 support. These features build upon Apple's tradition of yearly incremental improvements to its flagship product.

Samsung To Be Biggest OLED Supplier For Apple

iPad Air and Mini: Samsung's OLED Expansion

Samsung's OLED dominance isn't limited to iPhones. The company is set to be the primary supplier for the upcoming iPad Air, slated for release in 2026. This decision stems from Samsung's superior production capacity compared to LG Display.

Key points about the future iPad OLED panels:

  • Samsung's A3 line can produce 135,000 units monthly
  • LG's E6 1-3 lines manage only 45,000 iPhone OLED panels monthly
  • LG's E6-4 line produces 15,000 iPad OLED panels per month

The 2026 iPad Air and the 2027 iPad Mini (potentially sporting an 8.7-inch screen) will likely use single-stack LTPS OLED panels.

While these may not match the brightness and lifespan of the iPad Pro's two-stack LTPO panels, they offer a cost-effective solution for mid-range devices. This move aligns with Apple's strategy to differentiate its product lines while still offering premium features across its range.

Implications for the Industry

Samsung's growing role in Apple's supply chain highlights the intricate relationships within the tech industry. Despite being competitors in the smartphone market, the two companies continue to leverage each other's strengths, demonstrating the complex nature of modern tech ecosystems.

This partnership also raises questions about the future of OLED technology and its adoption across Apple's product line.

As OLED becomes more prevalent in tablets and potentially laptops, we may see further innovations in display technology and manufacturing processes. The environmental impact of OLED manufacturing is also a growing concern that both companies will need to address as production scales up.

The tech world will be watching closely as these devices hit the market, eager to see how Samsung's OLED panels perform in Apple's latest offerings.

With the promise of brighter, more efficient displays, consumers stand to benefit from this high-stakes collaboration between two industry giants. As display technologies continue to evolve, this partnership could set the stage for even more impressive advancements in the coming years.