Samsung is preparing to build millions of OLED iPad displays

The use of OLED display technologies is anticipated to increase over the next few years. For this reason, the tech giant Samsung is attempting to keep a step ahead of the competition. Currently, Samsung Display is considered the market leader in OLED displays. In the first half of 2026, Samsung should begin producing huge OLED panels based on Gen 8 production, according to a recent study by UBI Research.

As compared to the OLED display technology, Gen 8 OLED is basically a manufacturing method. Currently, the companies employ Gen 6 technology that results in small-sized OLED panels. In comparison, OLED panels based on Gen-8 are large. These panels improve the OLED manufacturing yield for large screens including tablets, laptops, and PC monitors.

iPads with OLED screens are a significant win for Samsung Display

According to sources, some market analysts assume that in 2023 an investment of 4.1 trillion won ($3 billion) will be made by Samsung Display in Gen 8 OLED manufacturing. If this is true, then it is a win-win situation for the company given the wide adoption of OLED tech for larger display devices. Notably, the Cupertino-based tech giant could play a significant role in this market shift.  

UBI Research analysts assume that this year 7.8 million OLED panels will be dispatched. The figures are expected to increase up to 18.8 million units next year since Apple will be working on its first OLED iPad. For the next year, Samsung will use Gen 6 OELD production tech to manufacture OLED iPad screens. The company will, however, modify the tech pretty soon by investing $3 billion into this.

Concerning the supply of OLED panels to Apple, there are three main contenders, including Samsung, LG, and BOE. LG Display poses little competition to Samsung Display. On the other hand, BOE is struggling to become one of the main suppliers for Apple. Such a huge investment by Samsung might prove beneficial for the company. It is also a sort of certainty that with this investment Samsung Display will be the main OLED panel provider for Apple’s upcoming iPads.