Apple has updated its OLED panel supply strategy for the product range it will launch in the second half of 2026. The company decided to work entirely with Samsung Display and LG Display for display panels in the new period.

Due to the quality problems experienced in the iPhone 17 Pro series last year, BOE was excluded from this year’s supply chain planning. BOE’s shipments only started again in April.

South Korean Names in the Supply Chain

Samsung Display and LG Display started mass production to meet all of Apple’s OLED panel requirements in 2026. Panel production for iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, foldable iPhone and iPad small models is currently ongoing.

OLED panel production for MacBook Pro models will start next month. This process will accelerate with the introduction of Samsung Display’s 8.6 generation OLED production limit.

Samsung Display is the sole supplier for the iPad mini, foldable iPhone and MacBook Pro models. The company is expected to fulfill orders of 2 million and 10 million units for these products, respectively.

LG Display will supply 34 million OLED panels for Apple Watch Series 12 models. For the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models, both manufacturers will provide a total of 90 million panels.

New Developments in Display Technology

The fact that Apple focuses its supply process on two South Korean companies also reveals the dependence of the display industry in the region on Apple. A significant portion of Samsung Display and LG Display’s revenues come directly from collaborations with Apple.

On iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models LTPO+ OLEDtechnology is planned to be used. This technology aims to provide better power efficiency and screen responsiveness, especially in low light conditions.

It is also stated that Samsung Display is preparing to produce approximately 2 million OLED panels for the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.

What do you think about Apple’s new display strategy?