In response to rising component prices, Apple has extended how long it holds OLED display panels in reserve, according to a report from ETNews. Apple moved from a 4-week display supply buffer to 6 weeks starting in the second quarter of 2026. The move is unusual since Apple has long treated inventory as a cost to be minimized, operating one of the leanest supply chains in the industry.

Deliberately stockpiling more panels marks a noticeable shift, driven by a sharp rise in memory chip prices. Buying more panels upfront, especially during quieter sales periods, will help the company stabilize prices. Apple already raised prices on 14 products in June, and the iPhone 18 Pro is widely expected to see a price hike when it launches next month.

Samsung Display and LG Display remain Apple's primary iPhone OLED suppliers, with BOE supplying a smaller share from China. A display industry official told ETNews the longer holding period is likely to stick and expects it to stretch further once the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max launch.