Samsung Display has confirmed plans to begin mass production of 8.6-generation OLED panels in 2026, and this development could be closely tied to Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone. Larger OLED substrates are expected to make flexible and foldable panels more efficient to manufacture, giving Apple a potential supply chain path for its first foldable device.
As reported by Chosun Biz, Samsung Display will use its Asan plant in South Chungcheong Province for the 8.6-generation line. The new substrates measure 2290mm by 2620mm, significantly larger than current production formats. This size advantage allows more panels to be cut per substrate, improving yield and cost efficiency. For foldable devices, where durability and production scale are major hurdles, this could be a breakthrough moment.
Apple has steadily increased OLED adoption across its lineup, starting with iPhones and Apple Watches and expanding to iPads and eventually MacBooks. A foldable iPhone would demand a more advanced OLED supply chain than conventional smartphones, and Samsung’s new capacity could align with the timeline analysts expect for Apple’s entry into the foldable market. Rumors suggest Apple could debut its first foldable iPhone in the latter half of the decade, possibly around 2026–2027.
Samsung Display is also pushing the South Korean government to extend tax incentives that currently support high-tech manufacturing investments. These incentives are scheduled to expire in 2026, raising concerns about competitiveness against Chinese manufacturers who benefit from aggressive subsidies. If support is extended, Samsung could keep its production edge, ensuring it remains Apple’s primary OLED supplier for future foldable devices.
The 8.6-generation panels are not only relevant for foldable smartphones but also for laptops, tablets, and monitors. However, the technology’s potential in enabling a foldable iPhone makes this move particularly noteworthy. Apple is known to wait until technology matures before entering new categories, and this production milestone could help bring foldable OLED into the scale and quality required for its ecosystem.
If Apple’s foldable iPhone launches within this timeframe, Samsung’s investment may prove decisive in shaping the future of premium smartphones. Higher yield and improved flexibility could mark the point where foldable devices shift from niche experiments to mainstream products.
