Apple’s 2027 iPhone to Adopt Advanced Samsung Display for 20th Anniversary

Apple is reportedly planning a major display upgrade for its 20th-anniversary iPhone. The tech giant will use a next-generation OLED screen from Samsung Display. This new technology promises better brightness and longer battery life. The phone is expected to launch in 2027.

This move signals Apple’s continued partnership with its South Korean rival for key components. The information comes from a new report by ETNews, a respected industry publication. The change centers on a new screen technology called Color Filter on Encapsulation (COE).

How COE Technology Outperforms Current OLED Displays

Most current smartphone OLEDs use a polarizer layer. This layer helps reduce screen reflections in bright light. However, it also absorbs a significant amount of the light the display produces.

The new COE technology integrates the color filter directly into the screen’s protective layer. This design eliminates the need for a separate polarizer. The result is a thinner display that allows more light to pass through to the viewer’s eyes.

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Set to Debut the Technology First

Samsung Display has already developed this advanced OLED with COE. Its parent company, Samsung Electronics, will use it first in the Galaxy S26 series. That phone lineup is scheduled for a launch in early 2026.

This timeline means Apple will adopt the technology roughly one year after Samsung. The competition for display superiority is a key battleground for flagship smartphones. Both companies are pushing for innovations that offer tangible user benefits like improved efficiency.

The adoption of COE technology is a significant step for future iPhones. It will directly impact screen quality and device battery performance. This move for the 20th-anniversary iPhone underscores Apple’s focus on display innovation.

Info at your fingertips

What is COE technology in OLED displays?

COE stands for Color Filter on Encapsulation. It is a method where the color filter is built directly into the OLED’s protective layer. This removes the need for a separate polarizer, making the screen thinner and more efficient.

How does COE improve battery life?

Since the COE structure absorbs less light, the display can achieve the same brightness level using less power. This reduced energy consumption can lead to longer battery life for the device.

When will Samsung phones get COE displays?

According to reports, Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series will be the first to feature COE technology. Its expected launch window is February 2026.

Why is Apple switching to this display?

The primary benefits are a thinner phone design, higher achievable brightness, and improved power efficiency. These are all critical factors for flagship smartphones.

Will the 2027 iPhone be a special edition?

While not confirmed, the 2027 model will mark the 20th anniversary of the iPhone. This milestone makes it likely that Apple will launch a significant redesign or special edition model.