Apple is reportedly rethinking its display supply plans for the iPhone 18 as it pushes for a much brighter screen than before. Recent reports suggest the company is now searching for partners that can meet tougher brightness targets, with Samsung Display emerging as the leading candidate.
For the iPhone 17 series, Apple relied on China’s BOE to produce OLED panels for some models. However, sources claim BOE may struggle to deliver the type of display Apple wants for the iPhone 18. The upcoming lineup is expected to feature a noticeably brighter screen, which appears to be beyond BOE’s current production capabilities.
Because of this, Apple is said to be turning to Samsung Display to supply OLED panels for the iPhone 18. If confirmed, this would mark the first time Samsung provides its brightest OLED technology to Apple. Interestingly, these same panels may not appear in Samsung’s own Galaxy smartphones, at least in the near term.
While exact figures have not been shared, reports claim the iPhone 18 displays will outshine those used in the iPhone 17 series. All iPhone 17 models are expected to offer up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness. The iPhone 18 lineup could reportedly push this figure to around 3,500 nits or even higher, making it one of the brightest smartphone screens on the market.
BOE is also said to be facing production issues with OLED panels for the iPhone 17, leading Apple to shift a large portion of orders to Samsung Display. The Chinese firm has previously been involved in disputes related to OLED technology, which may also be influencing Apple’s long-term supplier decisions.
Meanwhile, Samsung’s own flagship phones may not benefit from this brighter display just yet. Leaks suggest the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra will stick with peak brightness levels similar to the Galaxy S25 series, around 2,600 nits. This indicates Samsung could be reserving its most advanced OLED panels for Apple.
In addition to display upgrades, the iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to bring a notable design change. Leaks suggest Apple is planning to move Face ID components under the display, reducing the need for the pill-shaped Dynamic Island.
The selfie camera would remain visible through a smaller hole-punch cutout. According to tipster Instant Digital, shifting the infrared Face ID elements under the screen should not alter the display’s overall look or performance.
