Samsung to Mass Produce Gen-8 OLED in May

According to reports, Samsung Display is preparing to begin mass production at its eighth-generation OLED facility, known as the A6 plant, this May. The site is expected to become the world’s first commercially operated Gen-8 OLED factory, marking an important step forward for large-format display manufacturing.

Gen-8 OLED technology uses the largest glass substrates ever applied in OLED production, allowing panels to be cut more efficiently for tablets, laptops, and other IT devices. This is a significant shift from today's smartphone-focused OLED panels, which are mainly produced on sixth-generation lines.

The company has already informed its partners that glass substrates will be installed on the A6 line in May—a key milestone that signals the transition to full commercial output. The new facility will focus on OLED panels for upcoming MacBook models scheduled for release later this year, including 14-inch and 16-inch versions. Samsung Display aims to ship around two million MacBook panels in 2025.

Although panel production is set to start in May, some module components required for the final products are still under development. Apple is reportedly refining parts of the design to improve cost efficiency. Because module assembly takes place after panel fabrication, Samsung Display is prioritizing stable OLED panel supply before moving to the back-end process.

Panel deliveries to Foxconn, the assembler of MacBook products, are expected to begin in the third quarter. The early launch of the A6 line shows Samsung Display's intention to secure a reliable supply chain well ahead of schedule.

Looking further ahead, the company has set a goal of reaching annual capacity of 10 million 14.3-inch panels based on the A6 architecture. In addition to its work on Apple products, Samsung Display is also expanding cooperation with major PC brands such as Lenovo, Dell, and HP, aiming to accelerate the adoption of OLED technology across the broader IT market.