Samsung Display has secured a significant new partner – and it’s not Apple. Reports confirm that Tesla has signed a deal with Samsung Display for OLED panels, signaling a surprising collaboration that extends beyond electric vehicles.
While Samsung Display already counts Apple and other tech giants among its OLED customers, this agreement with Tesla appears to target something entirely different. 
Rather than car dashboards, the panels are expected to power Tesla’s ambitious humanoid robot, Optimus.
Optimus, slated for commercial availability as early as next year, is designed with a screen on its face to display expressions and essential information. Samsung’s cutting-edge OLED panels, known for their durability and clarity, are the likely choice for this role. The displays will help Optimus interact more naturally with humans in industrial environments, where the robot is expected to debut.
The deal is also a much-needed boost for Samsung’s struggling foundry division, which has long sought major clients. Tesla’s interest could draw more attention to Samsung’s semiconductor capabilities and reinforce its role in the global supply chain.
This move places Tesla in direct competition with other tech companies exploring robotics. Apple is said to be developing its own conversational robot with a tablet-like interface, while Samsung itself is pushing projects like its Ballie companion robot. Industry insiders suggest Apple may also pivot toward warehouse-ready designs, echoing Tesla’s industrial focus.
Yet, while the technology is exciting, it raises concerns. Robots like Optimus will inevitably take on jobs once handled by humans, potentially reshaping entire industries and sparking debates over automation’s social cost.