Folding OLED Display Manufacturing in 2025: Unfolding the Next Era of Flexible Screens and Market Expansion. Discover How Innovation and Demand Are Shaping the Future of Display Technology.

• Executive Summary: 2025 Market Snapshot & Key Trends
• Global Market Size, Growth Rate, and Forecasts to 2030
• Key Players and Strategic Partnerships (e.g., samsung.com, lgdisplay.com, boe.com.cn)
• Technological Innovations: Materials, Processes, and Yield Improvements
• Supply Chain Dynamics and Manufacturing Challenges
• Application Segments: Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops, and Beyond
• Regional Analysis: Asia-Pacific Leadership and Global Expansion
• Sustainability, Recycling, and Environmental Impact
• Competitive Landscape and Barriers to Entry
• Future Outlook: Disruptive Trends and Long-Term Opportunities
• Sources & References

Executive Summary: 2025 Market Snapshot & Key Trends

The folding OLED display manufacturing sector is poised for significant growth in 2025, driven by surging demand for flexible consumer electronics and ongoing investments in advanced production technologies. Leading display manufacturers, including Samsung Display, LG Display, and BOE Technology Group, are intensifying efforts to scale up production capacity and improve yield rates for foldable OLED panels. These companies are leveraging proprietary technologies such as ultra-thin glass (UTG), advanced encapsulation, and new organic materials to enhance durability, brightness, and color accuracy—key requirements for next-generation foldable devices.

In 2025, the market is witnessing a diversification of folding OLED applications beyond smartphones, with increased adoption in tablets, laptops, and automotive displays. Samsung Display remains the dominant supplier, accounting for a substantial share of global foldable OLED shipments, while BOE Technology Group and LG Display are rapidly expanding their presence, particularly in the Chinese and global OEM markets. Notably, TCL and Vivo are also investing in flexible display R&D, signaling broader industry participation.

Key trends shaping the 2025 landscape include the transition to larger panel sizes, thinner form factors, and improved hinge mechanisms that minimize visible creases. Manufacturers are also focusing on increasing production yields and reducing costs through process automation and material innovation. The integration of touch sensors and under-display cameras is becoming more prevalent, further enhancing the user experience and expanding design possibilities.

Looking ahead, the outlook for folding OLED display manufacturing remains robust. Industry leaders are expected to introduce new mass production lines and pilot advanced manufacturing techniques, such as laser-induced patterning and hybrid encapsulation, to meet growing demand. Strategic partnerships between panel makers and device OEMs are anticipated to accelerate commercialization and drive down costs, making foldable devices more accessible to mainstream consumers. As a result, the folding OLED display market is set to experience sustained double-digit growth over the next few years, with innovation and capacity expansion at the forefront of industry priorities.

Global Market Size, Growth Rate, and Forecasts to 2030

The global market for folding OLED display manufacturing is poised for significant expansion through 2030, driven by surging demand for foldable smartphones, tablets, and emerging applications in automotive and wearable electronics. As of 2025, the folding OLED segment represents one of the fastest-growing areas within the broader flexible display industry, with leading manufacturers scaling up production capacity and investing in advanced fabrication technologies.

Key industry players such as Samsung Display, LG Display, BOE Technology Group, and TCL are at the forefront of this market. Samsung Display remains the dominant supplier, leveraging its proprietary Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) and flexible OLED technologies to support flagship devices from Samsung Electronics and other OEMs. LG Display and BOE Technology Group have also made substantial investments in Gen 6 and Gen 8.5 OLED fabs, targeting both mobile and IT device segments.

In 2025, the global folding OLED display market is estimated to exceed $5 billion in annual revenue, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) projected between 25% and 35% through 2030, according to industry consensus and company forecasts. This growth is underpinned by the increasing adoption of foldable smartphones—expected to surpass 30 million units shipped in 2025—as well as the introduction of foldable laptops and automotive displays. BOE Technology Group and TCL are expanding their product portfolios to include larger foldable panels, aiming to capture new opportunities in the IT and mobility sectors.

Manufacturing advancements are central to this growth trajectory. Companies are refining encapsulation techniques, improving panel durability, and reducing production costs. Samsung Display has announced further investments in its OLED production lines, while LG Display is focusing on next-generation materials and hybrid OLED structures to enhance yield and reliability. BOE Technology Group is also scaling up its flexible OLED output, with new facilities coming online in 2025 and beyond.

Looking ahead, the folding OLED display manufacturing market is expected to maintain robust double-digit growth through 2030, fueled by ongoing innovation, expanding application areas, and increasing consumer acceptance of foldable devices. Strategic partnerships between panel makers and device OEMs, as well as continued investment in R&D, will be critical in shaping the competitive landscape and realizing the full potential of folding OLED technology.

Key Players and Strategic Partnerships (e.g., samsung.com, lgdisplay.com, boe.com.cn)

The folding OLED display manufacturing sector in 2025 is characterized by a dynamic interplay among leading display panel makers, technology licensors, and strategic supply chain partners. The market is dominated by a handful of major players, each leveraging proprietary technologies, extensive R&D investments, and global partnerships to maintain competitive advantage and accelerate innovation.

Samsung Display remains the undisputed leader in folding OLED technology, supplying panels for its own foldable smartphones and for other brands. The company’s Samsung Display division has pioneered ultra-thin glass (UTG) and advanced encapsulation techniques, enabling more durable and flexible displays. In 2025, Samsung continues to expand its production capacity, with new lines dedicated to foldable OLEDs and ongoing collaborations with materials suppliers and equipment manufacturers to improve yield and reduce costs.

LG Display is another key innovator, focusing on both mobile and large-format folding OLEDs. LG Display has invested heavily in flexible substrate technologies and is actively developing foldable panels for laptops, tablets, and automotive applications. The company’s partnerships with global electronics brands and automotive OEMs are expected to drive new product launches in the coming years, as LG Display leverages its expertise in OLED stack engineering and in-house backplane technologies.

China’s BOE Technology Group has rapidly ascended as a major force in folding OLED manufacturing. BOE Technology Group has expanded its Gen 6 and Gen 8.5 flexible OLED lines, supplying panels to domestic and international smartphone makers. BOE’s strategic alliances with leading device brands and its aggressive investment in R&D have positioned it as a credible challenger to Korean incumbents, with a focus on cost-competitive, high-yield production.

Other notable players include TCL Technology, which, through its subsidiary CSOT, is scaling up flexible OLED capacity and exploring novel form factors, and Vivo, which is collaborating with panel makers to commercialize foldable devices. Japanese firms such as JOLED are also contributing to the ecosystem, particularly in materials and printing processes.

Strategic partnerships are central to the sector’s progress. Panel makers are working closely with materials suppliers (e.g., for UTG, polyimide films, adhesives), equipment vendors, and device OEMs to optimize folding reliability, reduce crease visibility, and extend product lifespans. As the market matures, cross-licensing agreements and joint ventures are expected to proliferate, further accelerating the adoption of folding OLED displays across consumer electronics, automotive, and emerging device categories.

Technological Innovations: Materials, Processes, and Yield Improvements

The manufacturing of folding OLED displays is undergoing rapid technological innovation, with 2025 poised to be a pivotal year for materials, processes, and yield improvements. The sector is led by a handful of major players, including Samsung Display, LG Display, BOE Technology Group, and TCL, all of which are investing heavily in next-generation flexible display technologies.

A key area of innovation is the development of ultra-thin, flexible substrates and encapsulation materials that can withstand repeated folding without degrading display performance. In 2025, manufacturers are increasingly adopting ultra-thin glass (UTG) and advanced polyimide films as cover windows, balancing flexibility with scratch resistance and optical clarity. Samsung Display has been at the forefront, commercializing UTG for its foldable panels and working on further reducing thickness while improving durability. LG Display and BOE Technology Group are also advancing their own flexible substrate technologies, with BOE focusing on high-reliability polyimide and hybrid structures.

Process innovations are equally critical. Manufacturers are refining laser-based cutting and shaping techniques to minimize edge defects and improve panel uniformity. Inkjet printing for organic material deposition is gaining traction, offering more precise layer control and material efficiency compared to traditional vacuum thermal evaporation. TCL and its subsidiary China Star Optoelectronics Technology (CSOT) are investing in inkjet printing lines for large-area flexible OLEDs, aiming to scale up production while reducing costs.

Yield improvement remains a central challenge, as folding OLEDs are more susceptible to defects from particle contamination, layer delamination, and stress-induced failures at the fold. In 2025, leading manufacturers are deploying advanced in-line inspection systems and AI-driven process controls to detect and mitigate defects early in the production cycle. Samsung Display and LG Display are both leveraging machine learning algorithms to optimize process parameters and predict yield outcomes, with reported yield rates for foldable OLEDs now approaching those of conventional rigid panels.

Looking ahead, the next few years are expected to bring further advances in material engineering—such as self-healing polymers and improved barrier films—as well as greater automation and integration of smart manufacturing systems. These innovations are anticipated to drive down costs, enhance reliability, and accelerate the adoption of folding OLED displays across consumer electronics, automotive, and emerging device categories.

Supply Chain Dynamics and Manufacturing Challenges

The supply chain dynamics and manufacturing challenges of folding OLED display technology are set to remain a focal point for the display industry in 2025 and the years immediately following. Folding OLED displays, which enable the creation of flexible and foldable smartphones, tablets, and laptops, require highly specialized materials, advanced production equipment, and precise process control. The complexity of these requirements has led to a concentrated supply chain, dominated by a handful of major players.

At the forefront, Samsung Display continues to lead the market, leveraging its vertically integrated supply chain and proprietary Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) technology. The company’s manufacturing ecosystem includes in-house production of OLED panels, partnerships with glass suppliers, and close collaboration with equipment manufacturers. LG Display is also investing heavily in flexible OLED capacity, focusing on both mobile and automotive applications. Both companies are expanding their production lines in South Korea and China to meet growing demand, but face persistent challenges in yield rates, material sourcing, and process scalability.

A critical bottleneck remains the supply of UTG and high-performance polyimide films, which serve as substrates and cover windows for folding displays. SCHOTT AG, a leading specialty glass manufacturer, supplies ultra-thin glass to several display makers, but scaling up production to meet the stringent quality and volume requirements of folding devices is a significant challenge. Similarly, Sumitomo Chemical and Kolon Industries are key suppliers of polyimide films, but the transition from R&D to mass production has exposed issues related to durability, optical clarity, and cost.

Equipment suppliers such as AP Systems and ULVAC play a pivotal role in enabling advanced encapsulation, laser cutting, and lamination processes required for folding OLEDs. However, the need for ultra-clean environments and precise alignment increases capital expenditure and operational complexity. The industry is also grappling with supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and the need for localized production to mitigate risks.

Looking ahead, the outlook for folding OLED display manufacturing in 2025 and beyond is cautiously optimistic. While demand is expected to rise as more consumer electronics brands enter the foldable device market, the pace of adoption will depend on continued improvements in yield, cost reduction, and supply chain resilience. Strategic partnerships, investment in next-generation materials, and the expansion of manufacturing capacity by established players like Samsung Display and LG Display will be critical to overcoming current challenges and unlocking the full potential of folding OLED technology.

Application Segments: Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops, and Beyond

The application of folding OLED display manufacturing is rapidly expanding across multiple consumer electronics segments, with smartphones, tablets, and laptops at the forefront. As of 2025, the market is witnessing a surge in demand for foldable devices, driven by advancements in flexible OLED panel technology, improved durability, and innovative form factors.

In the smartphone segment, leading manufacturers such as Samsung Electronics and LG Display have established themselves as pioneers. Samsung Electronics continues to dominate with its Galaxy Z series, leveraging in-house OLED manufacturing capabilities to produce ultra-thin, flexible displays with enhanced crease resistance and longevity. LG Display supplies foldable OLED panels to various OEMs, focusing on innovations like improved hinge mechanisms and cover window materials to support more robust folding cycles.

Tablet and laptop applications are gaining momentum as manufacturers address challenges related to larger foldable OLED panels, such as uniform brightness, touch sensitivity, and mechanical reliability. Lenovo has commercialized foldable laptops, notably the ThinkPad X1 Fold, utilizing OLED panels sourced from industry leaders. BOE Technology Group, a major Chinese display manufacturer, is scaling up production of large-format foldable OLEDs, targeting both tablets and laptops for global brands. These developments are supported by investments in Gen 6 and Gen 8.5 flexible OLED production lines, which are optimized for larger substrates and higher yields.

Beyond traditional computing devices, folding OLED displays are being explored for automotive interiors, wearable devices, and even rollable televisions. LG Display has showcased automotive-grade foldable OLEDs designed for dashboards and infotainment systems, emphasizing high reliability under temperature and vibration stress. TCL Technology and Vivo are also investing in research and development for next-generation foldable and rollable form factors, aiming to diversify applications and address new use cases.

Looking ahead, the outlook for folding OLED display manufacturing is robust. Industry players are focusing on improving material science, such as ultra-thin glass and advanced polyimide films, to enhance durability and optical performance. As production costs decrease and yields improve, it is expected that foldable OLEDs will penetrate mid-range device segments and new application areas, further accelerating adoption across the consumer electronics landscape.

Regional Analysis: Asia-Pacific Leadership and Global Expansion

The Asia-Pacific region continues to dominate the global folding OLED display manufacturing landscape in 2025, driven by the technological leadership and production scale of key players headquartered in South Korea, China, and, to a lesser extent, Japan. South Korea’s Samsung Electronics and LG Display remain at the forefront, leveraging decades of expertise in OLED technology and substantial investments in flexible display R&D and mass production. Samsung Display, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, is widely recognized as the world’s largest supplier of foldable OLED panels, supplying not only its own Galaxy Z series but also expanding its client base to include global smartphone brands.

China’s display manufacturers have rapidly scaled up their capabilities, with BOE Technology Group and China Star Optoelectronics Technology (CSOT) aggressively investing in Gen 6 and Gen 8.5 flexible OLED fabs. BOE, in particular, has secured supply agreements with major international smartphone makers and is actively pursuing further expansion of its flexible OLED production lines. Chinese firms benefit from strong government support, a vast domestic market, and a growing ecosystem of component suppliers, positioning them as formidable competitors to their South Korean counterparts.

Japan’s role, while less dominant in terms of volume, remains significant in materials innovation and equipment supply. Companies such as JOLED and ULVAC contribute advanced printing technologies and vacuum equipment essential for high-yield, defect-free folding OLED production. Japanese chemical giants also supply high-performance materials, including polyimide films and encapsulation layers, critical for the durability and flexibility of foldable displays.

Looking ahead, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to consolidate its leadership as global demand for foldable devices grows. South Korean and Chinese manufacturers are both expanding capacity and refining processes to improve yield rates, reduce costs, and enable new form factors such as rollable and slidable displays. Strategic partnerships and technology licensing agreements are anticipated to facilitate further global expansion, with some manufacturers exploring joint ventures or localized production in North America and Europe to serve regional brands and comply with emerging supply chain requirements.

Overall, the Asia-Pacific region’s combination of manufacturing scale, technological innovation, and supply chain integration ensures its continued dominance in folding OLED display manufacturing through 2025 and beyond.

Sustainability, Recycling, and Environmental Impact

The sustainability and environmental impact of folding OLED display manufacturing are increasingly critical considerations as the market for foldable devices expands in 2025 and beyond. The unique structure of folding OLEDs—comprising ultra-thin, flexible substrates, organic emissive layers, and specialized encapsulation—presents both challenges and opportunities for sustainable production and end-of-life management.

Major manufacturers such as Samsung Electronics and LG Display have publicly committed to reducing the environmental footprint of their OLED operations. These companies are investing in cleaner production processes, including the use of less hazardous solvents and the development of more energy-efficient deposition techniques. For example, Samsung Electronics has outlined goals to increase the use of recycled materials in its device components and packaging, and to achieve net zero carbon emissions in its device experience division by 2030.

A significant sustainability challenge for folding OLEDs is the use of plastic-based substrates, such as polyimide, which are difficult to recycle and can persist in the environment. In response, manufacturers are exploring bio-based or recyclable substrate alternatives, though these are not yet widely adopted at commercial scale. Additionally, the encapsulation materials required for foldable OLEDs—often multilayer barrier films—complicate recycling due to their composite nature.

Recycling of OLED panels remains limited, with most current efforts focused on traditional rigid displays. However, industry leaders are beginning to pilot take-back and recycling programs for foldable devices. Samsung Electronics has expanded its global recycling initiatives, collecting used devices for material recovery, though the specific processes for folding OLEDs are still under development. LG Display has also announced investments in eco-friendly manufacturing and recycling technologies, aiming to reduce waste and recover valuable materials from end-of-life displays.

Looking ahead, the industry is expected to increase collaboration with material suppliers and recycling technology firms to address the unique challenges of folding OLEDs. The adoption of design-for-recycling principles, such as modular construction and the use of easily separable materials, is anticipated to grow. Regulatory pressure in key markets, particularly the European Union, is likely to accelerate these efforts, pushing manufacturers to improve transparency and circularity in their supply chains.

Overall, while folding OLED display manufacturing in 2025 faces notable sustainability and recycling hurdles, ongoing innovation and industry commitments suggest a gradual shift toward more environmentally responsible practices in the coming years.

Competitive Landscape and Barriers to Entry

The competitive landscape of folding OLED display manufacturing in 2025 is characterized by a small group of technologically advanced companies, high capital requirements, and significant intellectual property (IP) barriers. The sector is dominated by a handful of major players, most notably Samsung Display and LG Display, both of which have invested heavily in research, development, and production infrastructure for flexible and foldable OLED panels. These companies benefit from vertically integrated supply chains, proprietary materials, and advanced encapsulation and backplane technologies, which are critical for the durability and performance of folding displays.

In recent years, Samsung Display has maintained a leading position, supplying foldable OLED panels for its own devices as well as for other brands. The company’s Y-OCTA technology, which integrates touch sensors directly into the display, and its Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) solutions, have set industry benchmarks for foldable device reliability and thinness. LG Display has also made significant advances, focusing on both consumer electronics and automotive applications, and is actively expanding its flexible OLED production capacity.

Chinese manufacturers, including BOE Technology Group and China Star Optoelectronics Technology (CSOT), are rapidly scaling up their capabilities. BOE Technology Group has secured supply agreements with global smartphone brands and is investing in new Gen 6 and Gen 8.5 flexible OLED fabs. CSOT, a subsidiary of TCL, is also increasing its presence in the foldable OLED market, leveraging its expertise in large-area displays and panel integration.

Barriers to entry remain formidable. The capital expenditure for a state-of-the-art OLED fab can exceed several billion dollars, and the process technology for foldable displays—such as flexible substrates, thin-film encapsulation, and laser cutting—requires years of development and process optimization. Additionally, the sector is protected by a dense web of patents, with leading companies holding thousands of IP assets related to materials, device architecture, and manufacturing processes. New entrants must also contend with the challenge of achieving high yield rates and reliability standards demanded by global OEMs.

Looking ahead, the competitive landscape is expected to remain concentrated among established players through the next few years, though ongoing investments by Chinese manufacturers may gradually shift market share. However, the high technical and financial barriers, combined with the need for close collaboration with device makers, will likely limit the number of successful new entrants in the near term.

Future Outlook: Disruptive Trends and Long-Term Opportunities

The folding OLED display manufacturing sector is poised for significant transformation in 2025 and the following years, driven by both technological advancements and evolving market demands. As consumer electronics brands push for more innovative form factors, the industry is witnessing a rapid acceleration in the development and commercialization of foldable OLED panels, with a focus on improving durability, yield rates, and cost efficiency.

Key players such as Samsung Display and LG Display continue to dominate the market, leveraging their extensive experience in OLED technology and large-scale manufacturing. Samsung Display has been at the forefront, supplying foldable OLED panels for flagship smartphones and exploring applications in tablets and laptops. The company’s investments in ultra-thin glass (UTG) and advanced encapsulation techniques are expected to further enhance the reliability and flexibility of folding displays in the near term.

Meanwhile, BOE Technology Group, China’s leading display manufacturer, is rapidly scaling up its foldable OLED production capacity. BOE’s partnerships with global smartphone brands and its focus on flexible substrate innovation position it as a formidable competitor in the next wave of foldable device launches. The company’s ongoing R&D into stress-resistant materials and improved hinge integration is likely to yield more robust and affordable folding OLED solutions by 2026.

Material suppliers such as DuPont and Kolon Industries are also playing a pivotal role. DuPont’s advancements in organic materials for OLED emissive layers and Kolon’s leadership in colorless polyimide (CPI) films—used as flexible cover windows—are critical to overcoming the mechanical challenges of repeated folding. These innovations are expected to enable thinner, lighter, and more resilient foldable displays, opening opportunities beyond mobile devices, including automotive dashboards and wearable electronics.

Looking ahead, the industry is likely to see disruptive trends such as rollable and stretchable OLED displays, with prototypes already demonstrated by LG Display and Samsung Display. The convergence of advanced manufacturing techniques, such as laser-based patterning and hybrid encapsulation, will further drive down costs and expand the range of applications. As manufacturing yields improve and economies of scale are realized, foldable OLED displays are expected to transition from premium segments to mainstream consumer electronics, reshaping the competitive landscape and unlocking long-term growth opportunities.

Sources & References

• Samsung Display
• LG Display
• BOE Technology Group
• Vivo
• BOE Technology Group
• SCHOTT AG
• Sumitomo Chemical
• Kolon Industries
• ULVAC
• LG Display
• Lenovo
• ULVAC
• DuPont
• Kolon Industries