Apple’s upcoming 20th-anniversary iPhone, set for release in 2027, is already making waves in the tech industry, particularly among its display partners. The highly anticipated iPhone is expected to feature a fully bezel-less design, powered by a four-sided bending OLED panel. This design choice has created a notable divide between LG Display and Samsung Display, with each company taking a different approach to prepare for the project.
LG Display Leads with Early Investment
According to reports from DealSite, LG Display is moving quickly to secure its role in the production of the 20th-anniversary iPhone’s OLED panels. LG has reportedly begun negotiations with equipment makers and is already preparing its production lines for the new display technology. Industry sources indicate that LG is investing around $300 million to modify its existing manufacturing tools to accommodate the four-sided bending design.
This approach will see the OLED panel wrap around all four edges of the phone, eliminating the bezel entirely and creating space for subtle controls or indicators along the edges. This innovative design goes beyond earlier curved displays like Samsung’s Galaxy Note Edge, offering a more seamless and immersive front surface.
Apple’s early commitment to LG Display is evident, with sources suggesting the company has allocated up to ten production lines for the project. This move underscores Apple’s belief in LG as a key partner for this milestone device, rather than a backup supplier.
Samsung Display Takes a Cautious Approach
On the other hand, Samsung Display has been noticeably cautious about the 20th-anniversary iPhone. Reports suggest that the company is focusing its resources on Apple’s first foldable iPhone, expected in 2026. Samsung is reportedly dedicating its efforts to perfecting the foldable OLED panels for the new device, which is projected to ship between 3 to 5 million units in its initial release.
While Samsung Display has not shown significant investment or visible movement towards the 20th-anniversary iPhone’s bezel-less design, industry insiders believe this is a deliberate choice. By prioritizing the foldable iPhone project first, Samsung may revisit its role in the anniversary model after securing a stronger foothold in the foldable market.
Apple’s Strategic Advantage
This division of focus between LG and Samsung provides Apple with valuable flexibility. LG Display’s aggressive approach to developing a cutting-edge bezel-less display for the 20th-anniversary iPhone presents a bold and potentially groundbreaking design. Meanwhile, Samsung’s dedication to foldable OLED technology positions Apple to launch two innovative products by the late 2020s: a bezel-free iPhone and a foldable iPhone line.
If both tracks succeed, Apple could set new industry standards for smartphone design, offering two headline models with distinct features: the sleek, bezel-free bar-style iPhone and the futuristic foldable iPhone.
