Top 3 Key Points:
- Samsung will be the main supplier of OLED panels for the iPhone 16, surpassing LG Display.
- Samsung’s higher production capacity gives it an edge in supplying OLED screens for future iPad Air (2026) and iPad Mini (2027).
- Future iPads will use different OLED technology, with the iPad Pro featuring more advanced displays than the upcoming iPad Air and iPad Mini.
Samsung is set to become the top supplier of OLED panels for Apple’s upcoming iPhone 16 and future iPad models, according to recent reports. As the largest manufacturer of small to medium-sized OLED displays, Samsung Display has outpaced LG Display in terms of production capacity, making it Apple’s preferred choice for its high-demand products.
Samsung to Lead OLED Supply for iPhone 16
Samsung Display began producing OLED panels for the iPhone 16 series in June and increased output in July. While LG Display is also involved in the production, Samsung’s larger manufacturing capacity is expected to meet Apple’s ambitious target of shipping 90 million iPhone 16 units this year. Both Samsung and LG Display are reportedly producing 30% more panels than Apple’s estimated shipment needs, totaling around 120 million units.
By the year’s end, Samsung is anticipated to deliver approximately 80 million OLED panels, with LG contributing around 43 million units. These panels are already being shipped to Apple’s assembly plants globally, preparing for the launch of the iPhone 16, which will come in four models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. While the standard and Plus models will retain their previous screen sizes, the Pro models are expected to have slightly larger displays—6.3 inches for the iPhone 16 Pro and 6.8 inches for the Pro Max.
The iPhone 16 series is also expected to feature a faster processor, an upgraded 5G modem, enhanced cameras, a ‘Capture Button’ for quicker image and video capturing in landscape mode, and the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology.
Expanding OLED Use in Future iPads
Samsung is also set to supply OLED panels for Apple’s future iPad models, including the iPad Air (2026) and iPad Mini (2027). This move follows Samsung’s previous success in producing OLED screens for the new iPad Pro models launched earlier this year.
Samsung Display’s A3 production line, which manufactures OLED panels for both iPhones and iPads, can produce 135,000 units per month, significantly outpacing LG Display’s E6 lines, which produce far fewer units. This capacity advantage has made Samsung the primary supplier for the upcoming iPad Air, set to launch in 2026, and the iPad Mini, expected in 2027.
Apple is transitioning all its iPads to OLED technology, starting with the iPad Pro (11-inch and 13-inch), which were the first models to feature OLED displays. However, the upcoming iPad Air and iPad Mini will use a different type of OLED panel, known as LTPS (single-stack), compared to the more advanced LTPO (two-stack) panels used in the iPad Pro. As a result, the new Air and Mini models may not match the Pro’s brightness, longevity, or 120Hz refresh rate.
