Apple plans to introduce a new display technology with its first foldable iPhone, and the change could affect future iPhones as well. The iPhone Fold is expected to be Apple’s first device to use a Samsung-made OLED technology called CoE, short for Color Filter on Encapsulation. This shift focuses on making displays thinner, brighter, and more power-efficient.
What CoE Changes in an OLED Display
In a standard OLED panel, a polarizing film sits on top of the display. It reduces reflections and improves contrast, but it also blocks some of the light produced by the OLED itself. That means lower brightness and less efficiency.
With CoE, Apple would remove the polarizer entirely. Instead, the color filter moves directly onto the OLED’s encapsulation layer, which protects the panel. This change allows more light to pass through the display.
The result is a thinner display stack that looks brighter without needing extra power. Fewer layers also reduce overall thickness, which matters even more in a foldable design.
iPhone Fold Expected to Launch First
According to The Elec, Apple plans to debut CoE with the iPhone Fold, which could arrive as early as late 2026. Starting with a foldable makes sense. Thinner components help reduce hinge stress and keep the device slimmer when folded.
The report adds that Apple may later expand this display technology to other models. One of them could be the iPhone Air 2.
CoE Could Improve iPhone Air 2
The same report says Apple is considering CoE for the iPhone Air 2, now expected in 2027. The decision is still pending and will reportedly be finalized by the third quarter of this year.
The iPhone Air has not sold as strongly as Apple hoped, which appears to have delayed its successor. Still, Apple seems focused on fixing two major concerns with the first model: camera limitations and battery life.
Multiple reports suggest the iPhone Air 2 will add a second rear camera. CoE could help with the battery side of the equation.
By removing one display layer, Apple would free up internal space. That space could go toward a larger battery rather than making the phone even thinner. At the same time, the brighter CoE display would use less power at normal brightness levels, reducing battery drain.
Most of the current iPhone Air design already prioritizes battery space. Even a small gain inside the phone could translate into meaningful improvements in daily use.
If Apple moves forward, CoE could help the iPhone Air 2 address its biggest criticisms without changing what made the original model appealing. It would also show how the iPhone Fold’s technology choices may influence the rest of Apple’s lineup.
