Apple is moving forward with its 2017 flexible OLED phones, and the company has to rely exclusively on Samsung Display as SDC is the only OLED maker capable to produce the capacity Apple needs and the quality flexible OLEDs.
But in 2018 LGD is also planning to ramp up its flexible OLED capacity, and according to a new report from Business Korea LGD was approached by Apple with an aim to secure LG's capacity for Apple's 2018 phones. LGD reportedly did not yet make a decision - which will have to be made at the end of June once its new Flexible OLED fab comes online.
LG Display currently produces flexible plastic-based AMOLEDs in its 4.5-Gen line that has a capacity of 14,000 monthly substrates. This fab currently makes small OLEDs for wearable applications - and in fact LGD is the exclusive supplier for the OLEDs used in Apple's Watch.
LG first new OLED line will be the E5 line in Gumi, which will cost $900 million and should start producing panels by June 2017 indeed. The 6-Gen new line will have a monthly capacity of 7,500 monthly substrates. LG is also working on a third flexible OLED fab, the E6 line, which will also be a 6-Gen fab with double the capacity of the E5 line (15,000 substrates). The E6 is scheduled for the end of 2018. LGD's ambitious P10 OLED fab will also include some flexible OLED capacity - although plans for this fab hasn't been finalized yet, and it will mostly be used to make large area OLED TV panels.
