Apple is pressuring Samsung Display and LG Display to lower OLED panel prices for the iPhone 18 Pro Max as rising memory and storage costs increase overall production expenses. The company has reportedly proposed paying about $70 per panel, although suppliers may provide them for an average price of around $66.50.
The Elec reports that this price would represent a drop of roughly 20 percent compared with OLED panels used in the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Apple has secured lower panel prices with each iPhone generation, but the expected reduction for the iPhone 18 Pro Max appears larger than usual.
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New OLED technology raises production difficulty
The lower price comes even as suppliers prepare to use Samsung Display’s new M16 OLED material set. The technology should improve brightness efficiency, panel lifespan, and color performance, although manufacturers must adjust production processes and stabilize yields before reaching full output.
Samsung Display is expected to supply 46 million panels for the iPhone 18 lineup, while LG Display may provide around 41 million units. Most of these panels will reportedly support the Pro and Pro Max models.
Apple plans to launch the iPhone 18 Pro models in September, alongside its first foldable iPhone. Analysts expect higher starting prices as memory and storage costs continue to rise.
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