Apple is expected to adopt Samsung’s latest OLED technology in its 20th anniversary iPhone in 2027 for a thinner, brighter display design without a polarizer for better performance (via MacRumors).
Traditional OLED panels in current iPhones rely on a polarizing film placed above the display to reduce reflections and enhance contrast. However, that layer also blocks some of the panel’s own light, limiting maximum brightness and reducing efficiency.
Samsung’s latest display technology called COE or Color Filter on Encapsulation can help eliminate that polarizer. Instead, the color filter would be applied directly onto the OLED’s encapsulation layer. This shift should allow more light to pass through and require less power to achieve high brightness.
Removing the polarizing film also helps to reduce overall display thickness. Less material above the OLED means a thinner “display stack” which could contribute to a slimmer iPhone body. This could make the next model feel lighter and more streamlined while improving power efficiency.
There are challenges, however. Without a polarizing layer, controlling glare and reflections becomes harder. To preserve screen readability outdoors, Apple is likely to lean on advanced anti reflective coatings, new pixel level materials, or other display innovations to compensate for the loss of the polarizer.
Samsung has already used COE in its Galaxy Z Fold 3 foldable phone, and it is reportedly planning to bring COE OLED technology to its Galaxy S26 Ultra in early 2026. Apple’s 2027 iPhone would be its first non foldable device to use COE if reports are accurate.
Other rumors surrounding the 20th anniversary iPhone include a radical redesign featuring screens that curve around all four edges of the device, as well as a bezel free look, under display Face ID and camera systems.
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