Samsung Display is reportedly preparing to begin producing advanced organic light-emitting diode panels with built-in privacy technology for the upcoming Galaxy S27 Pro this month, as Samsung Electronics looks to expand its premium smartphone lineup and improve profitability amid rising component costs.
According to a report last week by display industry researcher UBI Research, Samsung Display is expected to produce approximately 700,000 panels for the new model in November, ahead of the Galaxy S27 series' anticipated launch early next year.
The Pro is expected to join the standard, Plus and Ultra models, expanding Samsung's flagship lineup to four devices.
Both the Pro and Ultra will reportedly feature Samsung Display's latest M16 OLED materials and built-in privacy display technology, while the two lower-tier models will use older M14 materials without the privacy feature.
Introduced on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the technology restricts screen visibility from side angles without requiring a separate privacy film. Users can activate it selectively for certain apps or notifications, making it harder for nearby people to read sensitive information.
Bringing the feature to the Pro would give buyers access to one of Samsung's most distinctive display technologies without purchasing the top-end Ultra.
The expansion comes as Samsung faces growing pressure to improve smartphone margins.
Its Mobile eXperience and Networks divisions reported a combined operating loss of 600 billion won ($447 million) in the third quarter, as rising component costs continued to weigh on profitability.
In its latest earnings announcement, Samsung said improving its flagship product mix through differentiated experiences for different customer segments would be a priority in 2027.
The rumored Pro model could support that strategy by encouraging customers considering the standard or Plus versions to spend more.
Pricing speculation suggests a narrow gap between the two highest-end models. According to a report last month by US technology publication PhoneArena, citing revised projections from X-based tipster Schroedinger, the Galaxy S27 Pro could start at $1,399, just $100 below the Ultra at $1,499. The standard and Plus models are projected to start at $999 and $1,199, respectively.
Samsung has already raised existing Galaxy S26 prices amid higher memory costs, with further increases anticipated for the S27 lineup.
Samsung has not confirmed the S27 Pro's specifications, production schedule or pricing.
mjh@heraldcorp.com
