Samsung eyes GlobalFoundries as second display driver chip supplier

Samsung is considering GlobalFoundries as a second supplier of display driver ICs (DDIs) after sole supplier UMC refused to add capacity for the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Chips from GlobalFoundries' 22nm and 28nm lines could reach Galaxy A phones by late 2027.

• UMC declined extra DDI output for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 as its 22nm lines ran at full capacity
• Samsung cut September component production plans for the Fold 8 by 10%
• GlobalFoundries could make DDIs at its plants in Germany and Singapore
• Global smartphone sales fell 20% year over year in Q3 2026