Apple eyes Samsung Display technology for brighter, slimmer foldable iPhone

Apple is reportedly considering Samsung Display’s advanced Colour Filter on Encapsulation technology for future iPhones, a move that could deliver brighter screens, improved power efficiency, and slimmer designs starting with its long-rumoured foldable model.

Apple is said to be preparing a notable display upgrade for its upcoming foldable iPhone, with reports indicating the company may adopt a new screen technology developed by Samsung Display. The move could help Apple deliver thinner devices with brighter displays and better power efficiency, addressing key design challenges associated with foldable smartphones.

According to industry reports from South Korea, Apple is evaluating Samsung Display’s Colour Filter on Encapsulation, or CoE, technology for its foldable iPhone, which is widely expected to debut in late 2026. The same innovation is also tipped to make its way into future iPhone models, including the iPhone 18 lineup, while Samsung plans to deploy it across its own premium Galaxy devices.

How the technology works

CoE, marketed by Samsung as On-Cell Film, represents a departure from traditional OLED display stacks. Conventional OLED panels rely on a plastic polariser layer to reduce reflections and enhance contrast. However, this layer blocks a significant portion of the light produced by the display, forcing the screen to consume more power to maintain brightness.

By embedding the colour filter directly into the OLED’s thin encapsulation layer, CoE eliminates the need for a separate polariser. This approach improves light efficiency, allowing screens to appear brighter while using less energy. As a result, manufacturers can potentially reduce battery strain and create slimmer devices without compromising display quality.

Roadmap and industry implications

Reports suggest Apple plans to introduce the technology first in its foldable iPhone, before expanding it to other models in subsequent years. The iPhone Air 2, expected in 2027, is also rumoured to adopt the new display approach following delays linked to weaker-than-expected sales of its predecessor.

Samsung, meanwhile, is preparing to extend CoE beyond foldable phones. The technology is expected to feature in the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series and could also debut in the Galaxy S26 Ultra, making it Samsung’s first conventional smartphone to use the new display structure.

While the reports are based on supply chain sources and remain subject to change, the adoption of CoE would mark a significant shift in smartphone display design, reflecting a broader industry push for thinner, more energy-efficient devices.