Apple will not come out with a brand new iPhone redesign this year, that much seems to be crystal clear. But an increasing number of reports claims that at least one of the 2017 iPhones will bring over radical changes. Specifically, Apple is expected to launch a Galaxy S7 edge-like curved iPhone 7 successor next year that will feature a flexible OLED display, a first for the iPhone maker. A new report from Asia indicates that Samsung is already preparing for that rumored iPhone 8 (or whatever Apple calls it), but not to fight against it with a novel Galaxy S7 successor of its own. Instead, Samsung might become the biggest fan of that new iPhone.
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According to The Korea Herald, Samsung is getting ready to mass-produce the OLED panels that Apple will need for the redesigned iPhone. And Samsung may be the only supplier of such displays for the OLED iPhone.
Samsung has been seen installing production equipment at one of its Korea Plants recently, according to local news daily Chosun Biz. The company installed the new equipment at its A3 OLED plant in South Chungcheong Province, looking to beef up OLED production ahead.
The Herald says that Samsung already dominates the OLED market with nearly 97% market share, but it plans to triple its production next year.
Currently, Samsung makes some 9 million 5-inch OLED displays each month, but that number might soar to 30 million units next year. While Apple’s new iPhone will probably be one of the main beneficiaries, other smartphone makers will also adopt OLED displays for high-end handsets.
Meanwhile, LG is lagging behind, the report said, as its OLED screen yields are still low.
