Apple plans to launch CoE technology iPhone Air in 2027, and Korean panel manufacturers will simulta

On January 9, according to South Korean media thelec reported that Apple is planning an important product plan: it plans to launch an iPhone Air model with a thinner body in 2027, the 20th anniversary of the birth of the iPhone series. In order to achieve this goal of thinness and thinness, Apple is also actively evaluating the feasibility of adopting CoE(Color Filter Package) technology, which is considered to be a key support for achieving ultra-thin panels.

It is reported that the core innovation of CoE technology lies in the optimization and reconstruction of optical structures. It abandons the polarizer used to block external light reflection in existing oled panels and replaces this component with a color filter; at the same time, it upgrades the standard pixel definition layer (PDL) to a black pixel definition layer (PDL). This technical improvement brings multiple advantages. The design without a polarizer can not only improve the light transmittance of the device, but also effectively reduce the power consumption of the product. More importantly, it can significantly compress the panel thickness, accurately meeting the development needs of thinner and lighter end products.

Relevant people in the industry revealed more details, among which Person A said: Apple is advancing research on the launch of iPhone Air equipped with CoE technology in 2027. The decision on whether to finally adopt this technology and the specific launch time of the model will be finalized in the third quarter of 2026. rdquo; Another industry insider B added that in addition to CoE technology, Apple also plans to integrate a number of other new technologies into this iPhone Air to be launched in 2027 to enhance product competitiveness.

It should be noted that as of now, Apple has not applied CoE technology in the iPhone series. According to the plan, Apple will first test the technology in its first foldable product, which is expected to be officially released in the second half of 2026. Industry competitor Samsung Electronics 'CoE technology is being implemented at a faster pace. Following the application of this technology in folding-screen phones such as Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip, Samsung plans to introduce CoE technology in the Galaxy S26 Ultra released in the first quarter of 2026. This will also make the S26 Ultra Samsung's first straight smartphone equipped with this technology.

The technical layout of terminal manufacturers has driven the supply chain to respond, and South Korea's two major panel manufacturers are actively preparing for the market demand for CoE technology. Among them, Samsung shows that it is negotiating with partners and plans to make supplementary investment in the 6th generation OLED production line. Industry insider C explained: Samsung has shown that it has the ability to realize the CoE process. It is considering additional investment this time mainly to cope with Apple's expansion of the folding screen product line from 2026 and the possible adoption of CoE technology in iPhone Air and other models in 2027. Capacity demand. rdquo; Another industry insider D revealed that Samsung's backboard (BP) process-related equipment discussed with partners will be completed as soon as the fourth quarter of 2026.

LG Display has taken the lead in launching additional investment. At present, the company does not have a production line that can directly adapt to CoE packaging. The main reason is that Apple has not used CoE technology in its products before, resulting in LG Display failing to deploy in advance. Backtracking information shows that LG Display announced in June 2025 that it plans to invest 1.26 trillion won before 2027, of which 700 billion won will be invested in the Paju factory for the construction of the front process, and 560 billion won will be invested in the Vietnam factory to promote the back process; It is reported that part of the 700 billion won investment in the Paju factory will be specially used to purchase CoE process-related equipment.

However, there is still market uncertainty behind this technology layout boom. Industry insider E warns: If Apple delays the launch of the iPhone Air equipped with CoE technology, South Korean panel manufacturers 'previous supplementary investment in the CoE process may eventually become blind investment. rdquo; It is worth mentioning that terminal manufacturers have already begun to adjust their model strategies. Since sales of the iPhone 17 Air, which was first launched in 2025, fell short of expectations, Apple has decided to cancel the Air model from the iPhone 18 series released in 2026; Coincidentally, Samsung Electronics has also adjusted its original plan, canceled the Edge(Ultra-Thin) model in the 2026 Galaxy S26 series, and instead split the product line into standard version, Plus version and Ultra version.