Your first Tesla robot might have a display from Samsung

[Update] The Korean media source that initially reported this has since retracted the story after it was deemed to be inaccurate.

Original story follows

Tesla recently inked a $16.5 billion deal with Samsung for AI chips, and it appears that the two companies are working closely on other components as well. A new report indicates that Samsung Display may start supplying OLED panels to Tesla.

Since Tesla vehicles use LCD panels and there's little incentive in switching to OLEDs, the perception is that perhaps this alleged deal has to do with Tesla's Optimus humanoid robots.

Korean media is reporting that Samsung Display will supply Tesla with 8-inch OLED panels. The only 8-inch panels currently used in some Tesla models are for the rear seat entertainment screens which are LCD-based. As demand for EVs trends lower, it wouldn't make much sense for Tesla to switch out those panels for more expensive OLEDs.

That's why it's believed that the 8-inch OLEDs that Samsung Display is expected to supply from 2027 will be used in another Tesla product, most likely the Optimus robots. Telsa is reportedly aiming to start sales of the robot from 2026 with the Gen 3 model likely to have a display on the face. The versions Tesla has shown off so far don't have an external display.

An Optimus robot with an external display could prove to be very useful. It could display important information in industrial settings to mimic human emotions for consumers when the robot is sold to the public.

Given the close relationship between Samsung and Tesla, it's possible that this mammoth chip deal might lead to other deals across the organization. Earlier reports have suggested that Samsung Electron-Mechanics is aiming to clinch a deal to supply camera modules for the Optimus robot.