According to a recent report by Counterpoint Research, Apple is anticipated to significantly influence the growth of OLED notebook displays in 2026, even as the overall OLED market encounters challenges from escalating memory prices and declining smartphone demand. Here are the specifics.
### Increasing Memory Costs Impact Smartphone OLED Demand More Than Anticipated
The report indicates that Counterpoint Research has adjusted its 2026 growth forecasts for foldable, flexible, and rigid smartphone OLED panels, noting weaker demand due to rising memory costs affecting device pricing:
> “In 2026, within the smartphone segment, foldable OLED panels are projected to see a 34% year-over-year increase, down from the earlier forecast of 46%, driven by Apple’s anticipated foldable OLED smartphone and new releases from Samsung and other manufacturers. Flexible OLED smartphone panels are expected to remain unchanged year-over-year, revised down from the previous 2% growth estimate, while rigid OLED smartphone panels are predicted to drop by 15% year-over-year compared to the earlier expectation of no growth.”
Concerning OLED notebook PCs, Counterpoint predicts that Apple’s likely shift to OLED screens for MacBook Pro models will contribute to a 33% year-over-year growth in this segment, along with “ongoing expansion of premium AI PCs, where elevated average selling prices (ASPs) mitigate the impact of rising memory expenses.”
Considering the wider OLED market, which also encompasses tablets, monitors, automotive displays, and other areas, the report anticipates flat year-over-year shipment growth in 2026, as increases in OLED monitors (up 45%), tablets (up 13%), and automotive displays are likely to be counterbalanced by weakness in smartphone sales.
To access Counterpoint Research’s complete report, follow this link.