Overview
- Apple is evaluating Color Filter on Encapsulation for a possible iPhone Air 2 targeted for spring 2027, with an internal decision expected in the third quarter of 2026, according to industry reports.
- Samsung Display and LG Display are preparing CoE production capacity, with Samsung discussing supplemental investments for its sixth‑generation OLED lines and tools expected to arrive as early as the fourth quarter of this year, The Korea Herald reports.
- Samsung already uses CoE in its foldables and is slated to bring it to the Galaxy S26 Ultra as its first non‑foldable model, while an analyst says Samsung has secured at least a two‑year exclusive on OLED panels for Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone.
- LG Display is moving to secure CoE‑specific tools within a larger multiyear investment plan, though a company spokesperson said it has not disclosed CoE allocations and could not confirm equipment moves this year.
- CoE can maintain brightness with up to about 30% less power and reduce panel thickness, yet analysts flag cost, yield and capacity hurdles, with Chinese supplier BOE cited as falling short on recent high‑spec iPhone panel requirements.