Apple has reportedly finalised Samsung Display and LG Display as the main OLED panel suppliers for its upcoming iPhone 18 Pro series, giving the two South Korean firms a major boost ahead of the phones’ expected launch later this year.
According to a report by The Elec, both companies will manufacture advanced LTPO+ OLED panels for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The new display technology is expected to improve battery efficiency while still supporting smooth refresh rates for gaming, scrolling and video playback.
The upgraded panels reportedly offer more precise power control compared to the LTPO screens used in previous iPhone models. This could help Apple improve battery life without compromising display performance, one of the key selling points of its premium iPhones.
The report said Chinese display maker BOE was unable to meet Apple’s required production standards and volumes for the new LTPO+ panels. As a result, the company has reportedly been left out of the iPhone 18 Pro supply chain.
Samsung Display is said to have expanded its production capacity by around 10 to 15 percent in the first half of 2025, which may have helped secure a larger share of Apple’s orders. Samsung could reportedly ship around 146 million OLED panels to Apple, while LG Display is expected to supply more than 82 million units.
Although BOE missed out on the Pro lineup, the company is still expected to provide OLED panels for several older and lower priced iPhone models. These reportedly include the iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 17e and the standard iPhone 17.
Industry reports also suggest the technology gap between South Korean display makers and BOE has widened in recent years. Apple’s wider use of LTPO displays across its iPhone lineup appears to have increased pressure on suppliers to deliver large volumes while maintaining strict quality standards.
The iPhone 18 Pro series is expected to launch in the second half of this year, although Apple has not officially confirmed details about the devices or their suppliers.
