Samsung to start mass producing OLEDs at its 8.6-Gen IT line by Q3 2026, pretty much confirms it will supply foldable OLEDs to Apple

Samsung Display is progressing as planned with its  8.6-Gen AMOLED production line, and the company's president Lee Cheong, now says that the company expects to start mass producing panels by Q3 2026, or even a few weeks before that.

 Lee Cheong also noted that the company is also moving forward with the final development of foldable OLED displays, to be supplied to a North American client, pretty much confirming that Samsung will supply these displays to Apple for its first foldable smartphone due out in 2026. It is understood that these flexible displays will not be produced at the 8.6-Gen IT line (which will produce rigid glass based OLEDs, at least in the first phase).

Samsung Display is positive regarding the near future of its OLED business, as it expects its key customers to launch new flagship products and increasing demand for its OLED displays.

Lee Cheong, together with LG Display and other executives in Korea's display industry, is urging the government to reform its tax system, to assist the display industry. Lee says that one key required change is increasing the time it is possible to offset investments, as sometimes it takes over 15 before the large investment required for new OLED production lines is returned. The Korean display makers are worried as Chinese makers, backed by government funds, are increasing their OLED production capacity and also accelerating their R&D initiatives.