Apple is reportedly close to getting its first batch of organic light-emitting diode screens from LG Display Co., a key step in the U.S. company's push to reduce its dependence on Samsung Electronics.

According to Bloomberg's sources, the initial volume will likely be between 2 million and 4 million units, small relative to Apple's sales, as LG continues to work on ramping up capacity. That would however help Apple gain leverage in price negotiations with Samsung, the sole supplier of OLED displays for the iPhone X and Apple's primary rival in smartphones.

The first OLED screens from LG will be used in one model of the new iPhones slated for release this year.

Apple and LG Display declined to comment.

Apple plans to release three smartphones later this year, including two with OLED screens.

LG Display has been investing billions of dollars into OLED production, but it has fallen behind Samsung in signing a deal to supply screens for Apple's OLED iPhones, as it maintained momentum in developing larger-sized screens. Apple is also in discussions with China's BOE Technology Group Co. to supply OLED displays for iPhones.