According to a new Counterpoint Research report, Apple is expected to play a key role in driving OLED notebook display growth in 2026, even as the broader OLED market faces pressure from rising memory costs and softer smartphone demand. Here are the details.
Rising memory prices hit smartphone OLED demand harder than expected
In the report, Counterpoint Research revised its 2026 growth projections for foldable, flexible, and rigid smartphone OLED panels, citing softer demand as rising memory prices put pressure on device 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 OEMs. 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.”
As for OLED notebook PCs, Counterpoint expects Apple’s reportedly upcoming transition to OLED displays for MacBook Pro models to help drive 33% year over year growth in the segment, alongside “continued expansion of premium AI PCs, where higher average selling prices (ASPs) help offset rising memory costs.”
Taking the broader OLED market into account, which also includes tablets, monitors, automotive displays, and other segments, the report forecasts flat year-over-year shipment growth in 2026, as gains in OLED monitors (up 45%), tablets (up 13%), and automotive displays are expected to be offset by softness in smartphones.
To read Counterpoint Research’s full report, follow this link.
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