Samsung Display Targets a 7-Inch FMM-Free OLED Prototype by Late 2026

Samsung Display is developing a prototype OLED panel using its Micro Patterned OLED (MPO) technology, according to a report by trade publication The Elec citing unnamed industry sources. The prototype is 7 inches, and work on MPO product development reportedly began in March 2026.

The sources say Samsung is targeting the end of 2026, though the date could slip into early 2027. The effort focuses on phone- or watch-sized displays. By comparison, LG Display is developing its FMM-free FLiPP technology for laptop- or monitor-sized panels. Neither company is targeting TVs in the near future, according to TechRadar.

Both approaches aim to replace Fine Metal Mask (FMM) manufacturing, which deposits OLED materials into pixels. FMM-free methods could allow more of each pixel to emit light, potentially making panels brighter or letting them use less power at the same brightness. They could also reduce manufacturing costs, although that remains uncertain.

Samsung’s MPO process uses microscopic structures to confine organic materials to the intended areas, then removes those structures. The Elec’s sources say MPO may suit high-resolution displays better than medium- and large-sized panels. A 7-inch-class sample would help assess its advantages at product scale.

Manufacturing yields remain a key unknown: panels must be produced in sufficient usable numbers for the process to deliver cost benefits. Production test runs will help show whether the technologies can meet that challenge.