Global OLED panel shipments are projected to remain flat year-over-year (YoY) in 2026, following a 3% YoY increase in 2025, according to Counterpoint Research’s latest OLED Shipment Report.
The flat outlook is driven by a 3% YoY decline in smartphone OLED panel shipments as memory cost inflation and broader component pricing pressures constrain OEM production and demand.
“Rising memory prices are particularly impacting mid-range and entry-tier smartphones, where BOM (Bill of Materials) sensitivity is highest,” said Senior Analyst Tom Someya. “This is shifting OLED growth toward foldable and premium flexible OLED devices, while rigid OLED demand is expected to decline as OEMs rebalance portfolios and control costs.”
In contrast, growth is expected across IT-focused OLED applications, with OLED monitors projected to increase 45% YoY, tablets 13% YoY and notebook PCs 33% YoY. OLED notebook PC growth will be driven by Apple’s transition to OLED displays for MacBook Pro models and continued expansion of premium AI PCs, where higher average selling prices (ASPs) help offset rising memory costs.
In 2026, within smartphones, foldable OLED panels are expected to grow 34% YoY, down from the prior estimate of 46%, driven by Apple’s foldable OLED smartphone and new models from Samsung and other manufacturers, according to Counterpoint. Flexible OLED smartphone panels are expected to remain flat YoY, revised down from the previous 2% growth forecast, while rigid OLED smartphone panels are expected to decline 15% YoY versus the prior forecast for flat growth, adds the research group.
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