Samsung to Add GlobalFoundries as DDI Supplier by 2027

Samsung is reviewing GlobalFoundries as a second supplier of display driver ICs for Galaxy phones and may deploy those chips in Galaxy A models by the end of 2027, according to industry reports.

The company is reportedly evaluating GlobalFoundries' 22nm and 28nm production sites in Germany and Singapore.

UMC has been the sole supplier of display driver ICs for the Galaxy Z Fold 8. When demand exceeded Samsung's expectations, the company asked UMC to produce additional display chips; UMC refused because its 22nm production lines were running at full capacity, which would have delayed other clients' production.

Samsung cut its September production plans for Galaxy Z Fold 8 components by 10% and pushed that volume to October, a shift that affected sales and revenue.

Reports say Samsung is examining GlobalFoundries' 22nm and 28nm facilities with the aim of adding a second DDI source. If the plan proceeds, DDIs made by GlobalFoundries would likely be used in entry level and mid range Galaxy A series phones by late 2027.

The wider industry is facing higher prices for memory chips and processors, which forced many vendors to raise phone prices. Global smartphone sales fell about 20% year on year in Q3 2026.

Analysts say Samsung and Apple may be better positioned in 2027 because they sell proportionally more high end devices and can secure memory components more reliably than rivals.