The foldable iPhone may feature a thinner, brighter screen with Samsung OLED technology

Apple’s anticipated foldable iPhone could benefit from a thinner and brighter display thanks to Samsung’s latest OLED technology. Industry sources suggest the new panel design may allow Apple to create a more compact foldable device without compromising on screen quality.

According to TheElec, the Samsung-manufactured OLED panel, called Colour Filter on Encapsulation (CoE), differs from conventional OLED screens. Traditional OLED displays use a separate polarising film to reduce reflections and enhance contrast. The CoE design, however, integrates the colour filter directly onto the panel’s protective encapsulation layer. This method reduces the display’s overall thickness while allowing more light to pass through, which boosts brightness without increasing power consumption.

A slimmer display stack could give Apple greater flexibility in designing the foldable iPhone. Industry analysts suggest that this technology also makes the device feel lighter and more durable, addressing some of the concerns users have had with foldable smartphones to date.

Launch timeline and potential expansion to other devices

The foldable iPhone is expected to launch later this year and is tipped to be the first Apple device to feature Samsung’s CoE OLED panel. Reports indicate that the next-generation iPhone Air could also adopt this technology, potentially arriving in 2027.

Apple is not the only company set to benefit from Samsung’s new panel design. The South Korean tech giant is expected to incorporate the CoE OLED technology into several of its upcoming devices, including the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Z Flip8. This suggests that both Apple and Samsung are focusing on improving display performance while maintaining compact form factors.

The adoption of advanced OLED panels may also influence design trends across the smartphone market. A thinner, brighter display could allow manufacturers to deliver foldable devices that are more practical for everyday use, without sacrificing visual quality or battery efficiency.

Additional innovations and supply agreements

Beyond the CoE technology, Samsung is reportedly supplying Apple with its recently revealed creaseless foldable OLED panels. These displays are designed to minimise the visible crease that often appears on foldable phones, a long-standing challenge in the sector.

The move underscores a growing partnership between the two tech giants. Samsung has long been a supplier of displays for Apple, and the collaboration now extends to cutting-edge foldable screen technologies. Analysts note that the combination of CoE and creaseless panels could help Apple enter the foldable smartphone market with a device that stands out for both design and functionality.

Market observers suggest that the foldable iPhone may set a new benchmark for premium foldable devices. By using Samsung’s latest OLED innovations, Apple could offer a device that balances durability, brightness, and slim design, appealing to both existing iPhone users and early adopters of foldable technology.