A new report out of Korea says Apple could finish approving OLED panels for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max later this month. Samsung Display and LG Display are expected to handle the bulk of supply once the program moves forward.
According to The Elec, Apple increased panel pre-orders starting in the first half of 2026 because of concerns around rising semiconductor and raw material costs. That shift reportedly helped push Samsung Display’s first-half output up by roughly 10% to 15% compared with the same period last year.
Research firm UBI Research estimates that Samsung Display could ship 146 million Apple OLED panels this year, while LG Display may deliver another 82.24 million units. Those numbers underline just how dependent Apple’s premium iPhone roadmap remains on its major Korean panel partners.
On the technology side, the iPhone 18 Pro line is said to move to a new LTPO+ panel design. Compared with the standard LTPO approach used in the iPhone 17 generation, the newer version reportedly extends oxide materials to the drive transistor layer, which should improve power control at the panel level.
For users, that could translate into better battery life. A more efficient drive circuit can adjust current more precisely based on ambient light and on-screen content, helping the OLED panel lower power draw without compromising the experience.
The same display upgrade is also tied to support for UDIR, or under-display infrared sensing. If Apple follows through, some Face ID components could move under the screen, potentially shrinking the Dynamic Island and pushing the design a bit closer to a fuller all-screen look.
