Foldable OLED Display Manufacturing in 2025: Unfolding the Next Era of Flexible Screens and Market Expansion. Discover how cutting-edge innovations and surging demand are reshaping the display industry.

• Executive Summary: Key Trends and Market Drivers
• Global Market Size and 2025–2030 Growth Forecasts
• Technological Innovations in Foldable OLED Manufacturing
• Major Players and Competitive Landscape (e.g., samsung.com, lgdisplay.com, boe.com.cn)
• Supply Chain Dynamics and Material Advancements
• Application Segments: Smartphones, Tablets, Wearables, and Beyond
• Manufacturing Challenges and Yield Optimization
• Sustainability, Recycling, and Environmental Impact
• Regional Analysis: Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, and Others
• Future Outlook: Disruptive Opportunities and Strategic Recommendations
• Sources & References

Executive Summary: Key Trends and Market Drivers

The foldable OLED display manufacturing sector is entering a pivotal phase in 2025, driven by rapid technological advancements, increased consumer demand for flexible devices, and strategic investments from leading electronics manufacturers. The market is witnessing a surge in adoption, particularly in smartphones, tablets, and emerging categories such as foldable laptops and automotive displays. This momentum is underpinned by significant improvements in material science, production yields, and supply chain integration.

Key industry players such as Samsung Display, LG Display, and BOE Technology Group are at the forefront of foldable OLED innovation. Samsung Display continues to dominate the market, leveraging its proprietary Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) technology and robust mass production capabilities. The company’s ongoing investments in Gen 8.5 OLED production lines are expected to further enhance panel quality and reduce costs, supporting broader adoption across device categories. LG Display is expanding its portfolio beyond smartphones, targeting automotive and IT applications with its flexible OLED solutions. Meanwhile, BOE Technology Group is rapidly scaling its foldable OLED output, supplying major global brands and investing in next-generation manufacturing processes.

Material innovation remains a critical driver. The transition from polyimide to UTG and hybrid structures is improving durability, crease resistance, and touch sensitivity. Suppliers such as SCHOTT AG and Corning Incorporated are collaborating with display makers to deliver ultra-thin, flexible glass substrates that meet the rigorous demands of foldable devices. These advancements are enabling thinner, lighter, and more reliable displays, which are essential for mainstream consumer adoption.

Looking ahead, the foldable OLED manufacturing landscape is expected to benefit from increased automation, higher substrate sizes, and improved yield rates. The expansion of Gen 8.5 and larger fabs will be instrumental in meeting the anticipated surge in demand, particularly as more device makers enter the foldable segment. Strategic partnerships between panel manufacturers, material suppliers, and device OEMs are likely to accelerate innovation cycles and reduce time-to-market for new products.

In summary, 2025 marks a transformative year for foldable OLED display manufacturing, characterized by technological breakthroughs, capacity expansions, and a broadening application base. The sector’s outlook remains robust, with leading companies poised to capitalize on the growing appetite for flexible, high-performance displays across consumer electronics and beyond.

Global Market Size and 2025–2030 Growth Forecasts

The global market for foldable OLED display manufacturing is poised for significant expansion in 2025 and the subsequent years, driven by surging demand for innovative consumer electronics and advancements in flexible display technologies. As of 2025, leading display manufacturers such as Samsung Display, LG Display, and BOE Technology Group are intensifying investments in production capacity and R&D to address both smartphone and emerging device segments.

In 2024, the foldable OLED market was estimated to have shipped over 20 million units, with projections for 2025 indicating a continued double-digit annual growth rate. Samsung Display remains the dominant supplier, leveraging its proprietary Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) and advanced encapsulation technologies to maintain leadership in both yield and durability. LG Display and BOE Technology Group are scaling up their Gen 6 and Gen 8.5 flexible OLED lines, aiming to capture a larger share of the foldable device market, which now extends beyond smartphones to include tablets, laptops, and automotive displays.

The period from 2025 to 2030 is expected to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 20% for foldable OLED display shipments, as manufacturers optimize production processes and reduce costs. Key drivers include the adoption of new materials such as colorless polyimide and hybrid glass substrates, as well as improvements in thin-film encapsulation and laser cutting techniques. BOE Technology Group is actively expanding its flexible OLED capacity in China, while LG Display is focusing on high-end applications and automotive partnerships.

By 2030, the global foldable OLED display market is projected to reach tens of millions of units annually, with revenues potentially surpassing $10 billion, depending on the pace of adoption in new device categories. The competitive landscape is expected to broaden, with additional entrants from Japan, South Korea, and China investing in flexible OLED manufacturing infrastructure. Strategic collaborations between display makers and device OEMs will be crucial for accelerating commercialization and achieving economies of scale.

• Samsung Display: Market leader, innovator in UTG and flexible OLED mass production.
• LG Display: Expanding into automotive and IT foldable displays.
• BOE Technology Group: Rapidly increasing flexible OLED capacity in China.

Technological Innovations in Foldable OLED Manufacturing

The foldable OLED display sector is experiencing rapid technological advancements as manufacturers strive to improve durability, yield, and scalability. In 2025, the focus remains on overcoming challenges related to flexible substrates, encapsulation, and hinge integration, all of which are critical for mass adoption in consumer electronics.

A key innovation is the development of ultra-thin, flexible glass and advanced plastic substrates that can withstand repeated folding without compromising display quality. Samsung Display, a global leader in OLED technology, continues to refine its Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) technology, which is now being used in the latest foldable smartphones and is expected to expand into tablets and laptops. UTG offers improved scratch resistance and a smoother touch experience compared to earlier polyimide-based solutions.

Another significant area of progress is in thin-film encapsulation (TFE) techniques. TFE protects sensitive OLED materials from moisture and oxygen, which is essential for device longevity. LG Display has invested heavily in multi-layer TFE processes, enabling more robust and flexible panels suitable for both inward and outward folding designs. These encapsulation advancements are also facilitating the development of rollable and slidable OLED concepts, broadening the application landscape.

Manufacturing yield and scalability remain central concerns. BOE Technology Group, one of the largest display manufacturers globally, has ramped up its Gen 6 flexible OLED production lines, focusing on process automation and defect reduction. BOE’s efforts are aimed at meeting the growing demand from smartphone OEMs and exploring new markets such as automotive displays and wearable devices.

Material innovation is also accelerating. Companies like Visionox are developing new organic materials and backplane technologies to enhance brightness, reduce power consumption, and extend panel lifespans. These improvements are crucial for next-generation foldable devices, which require displays to endure tens of thousands of folding cycles.

Looking ahead, the industry anticipates further breakthroughs in hybrid OLED structures, combining the best properties of rigid and flexible displays. Collaborative efforts between display makers and equipment suppliers are expected to yield new manufacturing equipment tailored for high-precision, large-scale foldable OLED production. As these innovations mature, foldable OLEDs are poised to become mainstream across a wider array of consumer and industrial applications by the late 2020s.

Major Players and Competitive Landscape (e.g., samsung.com, lgdisplay.com, boe.com.cn)

The foldable OLED display manufacturing sector in 2025 is characterized by intense competition among a handful of technologically advanced companies, each leveraging proprietary processes and large-scale investments to secure market leadership. The competitive landscape is shaped by the ability to deliver high-yield, durable, and ultra-thin flexible OLED panels for consumer electronics, particularly smartphones, tablets, and emerging form factors.

Samsung Display, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, remains the undisputed leader in foldable OLED technology. The company’s dominance is underpinned by its vertically integrated supply chain, advanced thin-film encapsulation (TFE) techniques, and mass production capabilities. In 2024, Samsung Display announced the expansion of its A4 and A5 production lines to meet surging demand for foldable panels, with annual capacity now exceeding 20 million units. The company supplies not only its parent’s Galaxy Z series but also provides panels to other global brands, reinforcing its central role in the ecosystem.

LG Display, part of LG Display, is a significant competitor, focusing on both small and large foldable OLEDs. LG Display has invested heavily in flexible substrate and cover window innovations, targeting applications beyond smartphones, such as automotive displays and foldable laptops. In 2025, the company is expected to ramp up production at its Paju plant, aiming to capture a larger share of the premium device segment. LG Display’s partnerships with global OEMs and its expertise in oxide TFT backplanes position it as a formidable challenger.

China’s BOE Technology Group (BOE) has rapidly ascended as a major player, leveraging government support and aggressive R&D investment. BOE’s Gen 6 flexible OLED lines in Chengdu and Mianyang have enabled it to supply foldable panels to leading Chinese smartphone brands. In 2025, BOE is expected to further expand its capacity and improve yield rates, narrowing the technology gap with Korean rivals. The company’s focus on cost competitiveness and local partnerships is driving broader adoption of foldable OLEDs in mid-range devices.

Other notable entrants include Visionox and TCL CSOT, both of which are scaling up flexible OLED production and pursuing innovations in ultra-thin glass and hybrid encapsulation. These companies are increasingly targeting niche applications and collaborating with domestic OEMs to diversify the foldable OLED market.

Looking ahead, the competitive landscape will be shaped by advances in material science, process automation, and supply chain integration. As more brands enter the foldable device market, panel makers are expected to intensify R&D efforts to improve durability, reduce costs, and enable new form factors, ensuring dynamic competition through the remainder of the decade.

Supply Chain Dynamics and Material Advancements

The supply chain for foldable OLED display manufacturing in 2025 is characterized by increasing vertical integration, strategic partnerships, and a focus on advanced materials to meet the demands of next-generation consumer electronics. Leading display manufacturers such as Samsung Display and LG Display continue to dominate the market, leveraging their established supply networks and proprietary technologies. These companies are investing heavily in expanding production capacity for flexible OLED panels, with new facilities and process optimizations aimed at improving yield rates and reducing costs.

Material advancements are central to the evolution of foldable OLEDs. The transition from traditional polyimide (PI) substrates to ultra-thin glass (UTG) and hybrid composite materials is ongoing, driven by the need for enhanced durability and improved optical clarity. SCHOTT, a key supplier of ultra-thin glass, has scaled up its manufacturing capabilities to support the growing demand from display makers. Meanwhile, Sumitomo Chemical and Kolon Industries are advancing high-performance PI films, which remain critical for certain foldable designs due to their flexibility and thermal stability.

Supply chain resilience is a major focus in 2025, as manufacturers seek to mitigate risks from geopolitical tensions and raw material shortages. Companies are diversifying their supplier base for key components such as organic light-emitting materials, encapsulation films, and adhesives. DuPont and Mitsubishi Chemical Group are notable suppliers of OLED materials, including emissive layers and barrier films, and are investing in R&D to enhance material lifespans and environmental resistance.

Looking ahead, the outlook for foldable OLED supply chains is shaped by continued innovation in both materials and manufacturing processes. The adoption of laser-based cutting and advanced lamination techniques is expected to further improve panel reliability and reduce defect rates. Strategic collaborations between display makers and material suppliers are likely to intensify, with joint development agreements aimed at accelerating the commercialization of next-generation foldable devices. As consumer demand for foldable smartphones, tablets, and laptops grows, the industry is poised for robust expansion, underpinned by a resilient and technologically advanced supply chain.

Application Segments: Smartphones, Tablets, Wearables, and Beyond

Foldable OLED display manufacturing has rapidly evolved, enabling new application segments across consumer electronics. In 2025, the most prominent use cases remain smartphones, tablets, and wearables, with further expansion anticipated in automotive, laptops, and emerging device categories.

Smartphones continue to dominate the foldable OLED market, driven by major launches from leading brands. Samsung Electronics maintains a significant lead, leveraging its vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities and proprietary Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) technology. The company’s Galaxy Z series has set industry benchmarks, with production volumes expected to surpass 20 million units in 2025. Huawei Technologies and Xiaomi Corporation are also scaling up foldable smartphone offerings, focusing on hinge durability and crease minimization. These manufacturers rely on advanced OLED encapsulation and flexible substrate processes to ensure device longevity and performance.

Tablets represent a fast-growing segment, as foldable OLEDs enable larger displays in compact form factors. Lenovo Group has commercialized foldable tablets, and other OEMs are expected to follow, spurred by improvements in panel yield and cost reduction. The ability to transition between tablet and laptop modes is particularly attractive for productivity-focused users, and manufacturers are investing in robust hinge mechanisms and multi-layered OLED stack designs to support frequent folding cycles.

Wearables, including smartwatches and fitness bands, benefit from foldable and flexible OLEDs that conform to curved surfaces and enable innovative form factors. LG Electronics and BOE Technology Group are notable suppliers, providing flexible OLED panels for both their own devices and third-party brands. The integration of foldable OLEDs in wearables is expected to accelerate, as manufacturers seek to differentiate with wraparound displays and enhanced user interfaces.

Beyond traditional consumer electronics, foldable OLEDs are being explored for automotive interiors, where curved and adaptive displays can enhance dashboard and infotainment systems. Visteon Corporation and Continental AG are collaborating with display manufacturers to prototype and commercialize foldable OLED solutions for next-generation vehicles. Additionally, the laptop segment is poised for growth, with several OEMs planning foldable-screen models that offer both portability and expanded workspace.

Looking ahead, the application landscape for foldable OLEDs is set to diversify further, supported by ongoing investments in manufacturing scale, material innovation, and supply chain integration by industry leaders such as Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, and BOE Technology Group.

Manufacturing Challenges and Yield Optimization

Foldable OLED display manufacturing in 2025 continues to face significant challenges, particularly in the areas of material durability, process complexity, and yield optimization. The unique requirements of foldable displays—such as repeated mechanical flexing, ultra-thin form factors, and seamless integration—demand innovations across the entire production chain.

One of the primary challenges is the development and mass production of ultra-thin, flexible substrates and encapsulation layers that can withstand thousands of folding cycles without degrading. Leading manufacturers like Samsung Display and LG Display have invested heavily in proprietary polyimide films and advanced thin-film encapsulation (TFE) techniques to address these issues. However, even with these advances, microcracks and delamination at the fold crease remain persistent yield detractors, often resulting in lower-than-desired production yields.

Another major hurdle is the integration of touch sensors and cover window materials that are both flexible and highly transparent. BOE Technology Group, a key Chinese display manufacturer, has reported progress in integrating ultra-thin glass and flexible touch sensor stacks, but scaling these solutions to high-volume production while maintaining uniformity and reliability is still a work in progress.

Yield optimization is a critical focus for 2025 and beyond. The complexity of foldable OLED structures—comprising multiple organic layers, flexible electrodes, and encapsulation—means that even minor defects can lead to significant yield losses. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting advanced in-line inspection systems and AI-driven defect detection to identify and mitigate issues early in the process. Samsung Display has publicly highlighted its use of machine learning algorithms to analyze process data and predict potential failure points, enabling real-time process adjustments and improved yields.

Looking ahead, the industry outlook for the next few years includes further material innovations, such as the adoption of new flexible glass composites and self-healing polymers, as well as process improvements like laser-based patterning and lamination. Collaborative efforts between material suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and display makers are expected to accelerate, with companies like ULVAC (vacuum equipment) and Sumitomo Chemical (OLED materials) playing increasingly important roles in the supply chain.

Overall, while foldable OLED display manufacturing in 2025 remains a technically demanding field with ongoing yield challenges, continuous innovation and cross-industry collaboration are expected to drive steady improvements in both reliability and production efficiency over the coming years.

Sustainability, Recycling, and Environmental Impact

The sustainability and environmental impact of foldable OLED display manufacturing are increasingly significant as the technology matures and production volumes rise in 2025 and beyond. Foldable OLEDs, which utilize organic light-emitting diodes on flexible substrates, present both opportunities and challenges in terms of resource use, recyclability, and lifecycle emissions.

Key manufacturers such as Samsung Electronics and LG Display have made public commitments to improving the environmental footprint of their OLED production. These companies are investing in cleaner manufacturing processes, including the reduction of hazardous solvents and the adoption of water-based or solvent-free materials for encapsulation and substrate preparation. For example, Samsung Electronics has outlined sustainability initiatives targeting energy efficiency and waste reduction across its display manufacturing operations.

Material sourcing remains a critical issue. Foldable OLEDs often require rare metals such as indium and gallium, as well as organic compounds that can be energy-intensive to synthesize. Both LG Display and Samsung Electronics are exploring alternative materials and recycling strategies to reduce dependence on virgin resources. In 2025, these companies are expected to expand closed-loop recycling programs, recovering valuable metals and reprocessing glass and plastic substrates from end-of-life panels.

The recyclability of foldable OLED displays is complicated by their multilayered structure, which often includes adhesives, barrier films, and flexible polymers. This makes disassembly and material separation more challenging compared to traditional flat displays. However, industry groups such as the OLED Association are working with manufacturers to develop standardized recycling protocols and to encourage the use of more easily separable materials.

Looking ahead, the environmental impact of foldable OLED manufacturing is likely to be mitigated by advances in green chemistry, improved process efficiency, and the scaling of recycling infrastructure. The industry is also responding to regulatory pressures in major markets, which are increasingly mandating extended producer responsibility and stricter e-waste management. As a result, the next few years are expected to see greater transparency in supply chains and more robust sustainability reporting from leading display manufacturers.

Regional Analysis: Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, and Others

The global landscape for foldable OLED display manufacturing in 2025 is characterized by pronounced regional specialization, with Asia-Pacific maintaining a dominant position, North America focusing on innovation and integration, and Europe emphasizing niche applications and supply chain resilience. Other regions are emerging as potential contributors, though their impact remains limited in the near term.

• Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region, particularly South Korea and China, continues to lead in foldable OLED display manufacturing. Samsung Electronics and LG Display in South Korea are recognized as pioneers, leveraging advanced production lines and proprietary technologies for mass production of flexible and foldable OLED panels. In China, BOE Technology Group and China Star Optoelectronics Technology (CSOT) have rapidly expanded capacity, with BOE supplying panels for major global smartphone brands. The region benefits from robust government support, integrated supply chains, and proximity to major consumer electronics assemblers. In 2025, Asia-Pacific is expected to account for over 80% of global foldable OLED panel output, with further investments in Gen 6 and Gen 8.5 flexible OLED fabs underway.
• North America: North America’s role is primarily centered on R&D, design, and integration of foldable OLED displays into high-end consumer devices. Apple Inc. is reportedly investing in foldable display technologies, collaborating with Asian panel makers for future product lines. While there is limited domestic panel manufacturing, North American companies are influential in materials innovation, such as flexible substrates and encapsulation technologies, with firms like Corning Incorporated supplying ultra-thin glass for foldable displays. The region’s focus is on value-added applications and intellectual property development rather than mass production.
• Europe: Europe’s presence in foldable OLED manufacturing is smaller but strategically significant. Companies such as Merck KGaA provide advanced organic materials and chemicals essential for OLED production. European firms are also active in equipment manufacturing and process automation, supporting global panel makers. The region is increasingly focused on supply chain diversification and sustainability, with EU initiatives encouraging local R&D and pilot production, though large-scale manufacturing remains limited.
• Other Regions: Outside the main hubs, regions such as Taiwan and Japan maintain a presence through companies like Japan Display Inc. and Hon Hai Precision Industry (Foxconn), which are exploring foldable OLED technologies and partnerships. However, their market share is modest compared to Asia-Pacific leaders. Emerging economies are not expected to play a significant manufacturing role in the immediate future due to high capital and technical barriers.

Looking ahead, Asia-Pacific is set to reinforce its leadership through continued investment and technological advancements, while North America and Europe will likely focus on upstream innovation and strategic collaborations. The global supply chain is expected to remain concentrated but may see incremental diversification as new players and regions seek entry into the foldable OLED ecosystem.

Future Outlook: Disruptive Opportunities and Strategic Recommendations

The foldable OLED display manufacturing sector is poised for significant transformation in 2025 and the ensuing years, driven by both technological advancements and evolving market demands. As consumer electronics brands intensify their focus on flexible form factors, the industry is witnessing a surge in investment and innovation, particularly from leading panel manufacturers and material suppliers.

Key players such as Samsung Display and LG Display continue to dominate the foldable OLED landscape, leveraging their expertise in large-scale OLED production and proprietary flexible substrate technologies. Samsung Display has expanded its production capacity for foldable OLED panels, targeting not only smartphones but also laptops and tablets, with new manufacturing lines expected to come online in 2025. LG Display is similarly investing in next-generation flexible OLEDs, with a focus on ultra-thin, rollable, and stretchable displays for both consumer and automotive applications.

Material innovation remains a critical enabler for future disruption. Companies like Kolon Industries and SKC are advancing the development of colorless polyimide (CPI) and ultra-thin glass (UTG), which are essential for improving the durability and optical clarity of foldable displays. These materials are expected to see broader adoption as manufacturers seek to address persistent challenges such as crease visibility, touch sensitivity, and long-term reliability.

Strategically, the industry is moving toward greater vertical integration and ecosystem collaboration. Panel makers are forging closer partnerships with device OEMs and component suppliers to accelerate product development cycles and ensure supply chain resilience. For example, BOE Technology Group, a major Chinese display manufacturer, is ramping up its foldable OLED output and collaborating with global smartphone brands to diversify the market beyond early adopters.

Looking ahead, disruptive opportunities are likely to emerge from the convergence of foldable OLEDs with other advanced technologies, such as under-display cameras, haptic feedback layers, and energy-efficient backplanes. The automotive and wearable sectors are also expected to become significant growth drivers, as flexible displays enable new design paradigms and user experiences.

To capitalize on these trends, strategic recommendations for stakeholders include investing in R&D for next-generation materials, expanding manufacturing automation, and fostering cross-industry partnerships. Companies that can deliver robust, scalable, and cost-effective foldable OLED solutions will be well-positioned to capture value in this rapidly evolving market.

Sources & References

• Samsung Display
• LG Display
• BOE Technology Group
• SCHOTT AG
• BOE
• Sumitomo Chemical
• Kolon Industries
• DuPont
• Mitsubishi Chemical Group
• Huawei Technologies
• Lenovo Group
• LG Electronics
• ULVAC
• OLED Association
• Apple Inc.
• Hon Hai Precision Industry (Foxconn)
• Kolon Industries