Samsung Display is renewing investment in its new A7 plant in Asan, South Korea. This step, delayed since 2021, aims to satisfy growing demand for complex displays for smartphones, including the upcoming iPhone Ultra and other advanced devices.
A7 Plant Revival
According to Korea’s Daily Economy News, Samsung Display has received approval to construct the main building of the A7 plant. Work is set to begin in August 2026, with full-scale construction starting in 2027 and completion expected in early 2028.
The A7 plant will become a key element in Samsung Display’s strategy to dominate the foldable display market. The project, initially paused five years ago, is now revitalized due to the surging popularity of foldable phones.
Market Trends and Forecasts
Recent foldable smartphones, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, have received positive feedback thanks to new screen aspect ratios. Apple is also expected to launch its first foldable iPhone in September 2026, which will further boost market expectations for expansion of the foldable device segment.
Analysts at Omdia forecast that revenue from the foldable OLED display market will grow from approximately $3 billion in 2025 to $6.3 billion by 2030, representing more than double growth over five years.
“Foldable phones typically use two display panels: an outer and an inner screen. The inner panel is roughly twice the size of a regular smartphone screen, so the total display area used by a foldable device is about three times that of a standard smartphone.”
Long-term Samsung Display Investments
Samsung Display plans to invest 67 trillion Korean won (about $50 billion) in the display sector by 2040. The new A7 plant will require several trillion Korean won, though the exact amount remains undisclosed. The company also intends to build production capacity for next‑generation display panels, including foldable OLEDs and high‑resolution microdisplays for extended reality (XR) devices.
Limitations of Existing Capacity
Currently, Samsung Display manufactures foldable panels for smartphones on the A3 line in Asan. This same line is used to produce premium OLED products for flagship smartphones such as the Galaxy S series and iPhone. However, ongoing development of new technologies renders the A3 capacity insufficient to meet demand without substantial additional investment.
Xpert Take
The revival of the A7 facility signals Samsung Display’s commitment to securing a leading share of the fast‑growing foldable OLED market, which is projected to more than double in value by 2030. By front‑loading capacity ahead of Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone launch, Samsung aims to lock in supply contracts with both its own Galaxy Z series and potential rival flagship makers. This move also intensifies pressure on LG Display, the other major OLED supplier, to accelerate its own foldable‑panel investments. For the broader industry, the expansion of dedicated foldable‑line capacity could help stabilize pricing and improve yield rates, ultimately benefiting consumers through more affordable and durable foldable devices. Investors should watch for capital‑expenditure updates from Samsung Display in its upcoming earnings reports, as the A7 plant’s progress will be a key indicator of the company’s ability to capitalize on the next wave of smartphone innovation.
