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| According to a report from South Korea, display manufacturers LG and Samsung are already preparing for Apple's anniversary iPhone in 2027. |
A seismic shift in Apple’s supply chain is underway, with LG Display reportedly making massive investments to become the primary screen supplier for the highly anticipated 2027 iPhone—potentially named the iPhone 20.
For years, the division of labor for iPhone displays has followed a familiar pattern. Samsung Display, the industry juggernaut, has typically supplied around 60% of Apple’s advanced OLED panels, with LG Display covering the remaining 40%. But according to a new report from Korean media, that balance of power is set for a dramatic reversal by 2027.
The catalyst for this change appears to be Apple's ambitious roadmap, which demands a leap in display technology so significant it requires a complete factory overhaul.
Samsung's Focus Shifts to Foldables, Leaving Room for LG
Industry insiders suggest that Samsung Display's attention is currently concentrated on a different Apple product: the long-rumored foldable iPhone, often dubbed the iPhone Fold. With Apple's first foray into the foldable market expected as early as next year, Samsung's resources and expertise in foldable AMOLED panels are being prioritized for this groundbreaking device.
This strategic focus has created an opening. "Regarding the anniversary iPhone, there is an almost eerie silence among Samsung's suppliers," one source noted. This silence stands in stark contrast to the buzz coming from LG Display's camp.
As reported by Dealsite, LG is moving aggressively to seize the opportunity. You can read the original report (in Korean) detailing the investment plans here: LG Display Investing Heavily for 2027 iPhone Panels.
The "Borderless" iPhone 20: A Manufacturing Marvel
So, what exactly is LG preparing for? The 2027 iPhone—which, following Apple's potential naming shift, may skip "iPhone 19" to be called iPhone 20 or iPhone XX—is expected to feature a display that redefines the smartphone screen.
Sources describe an AMOLED panel that is completely borderless and curved on all four sides. This isn't merely an evolution of Samsung's old "Edge" displays. This is a holistic, wraparound design that requires entirely new production methodologies.
- Circuitry Challenges: Not only does the glass itself curve, but the delicate circuitry connecting the display must also bend seamlessly around the edges.
- Thinner Protection: The Thin-Film Encapsulation (TFE) process, which protects the organic materials in the OLED from moisture and oxygen, must be engineered to be significantly thinner to accommodate the complex curvature.
- The Final Frontier for Dynamic Island: Apple's ultimate goal is to fully integrate all sensors—including the Face ID components and the FaceTime camera—invisibly beneath the display. The current Dynamic Island is a stepping stone; the iPhone 20's display is expected to be a flawless, uninterrupted surface, necessitating new production lines and cutting-edge under-panel technology.
A 400 Billion Won Bet on Apple's Future
To meet these formidable challenges, LG Display is rumored to be investing a staggering 400 billion Korean Won (approximately $271 million USD) specifically into production lines for the 2027 iPhone. This colossal investment underscores the technical leap required and LG's commitment to becoming Apple's lead partner for this generation.
An industry representative underscored the scale of the shift, stating, "Apple's display requirements necessitate completely new production methods." They also added that Samsung Display will eventually have no choice but to follow suit and construct new factories to produce the same advanced panels, but LG's head start could cement its top-supplier status for years to come.
This potential changing of the guard highlights the intense innovation race within Apple's supply chain. As one tech analyst recently observed on social media, the competition to build the perfect display is fiercer than ever. For those following the supply chain rumors, this developing story is a key one to watch.
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The bottom line: If current reports hold, the iPhone 20 won't just be a milestone product for Apple consumers; it will represent a historic victory for LG Display, marking its ascent to the top of Apple's coveted supply chain and setting a new standard for smartphone screen technology for the rest of the decade.