The tech industry is looking to Apple again with new information about its long-awaited foldable iPhone. Although rumors have been circulating for some time, it seems the machinery is already in motion to make the Californian brand's first flexible smartphone a reality. According to various sources close to the supply chain, Samsung Display will supply the OLED foldable displays that Apple will use in its new device.
Samsung is finalizing a exclusive production line at its Asan plant, South Korea, is dedicated to manufacturing these panels for Apple, with work that began last year and is now reaching the final phase. This industrial commitment underscores the importance of the project and Apple's confidence in the experience Samsung has demonstrated over several generations of foldable phones on the market.
Samsung Display's key role in the future foldable iPhone
The latest information point out that Samsung Display will begin mass production of foldable panels starting in the fourth quarter of this year., with the aim of meeting Apple's launch deadlines. Plans call for the foldable iPhone to arrive in the second half of 2026. For now, Samsung will be the exclusive supplier, as no other manufacturer has met the quality and reliability standards that Apple demands for this type of advanced devices.
The planned production capacity would allow for the production of nearly 15 million folding panels per year, although Apple's initial estimates are more conservative, expecting to sell between 6 and 8 million units of the first generation. However, Samsung is preparing a sufficient margin in case demand turns out to be higher than expected.
“Fold-free” technology and advanced flexibility
One of Apple's main concerns was avoiding the unsightly visible crease that many flexible displays exhibit after repeated use. To address this, the American company would have chosen la Samsung's "crease-free" technology, based on metallic units of Fine M-Tec which evenly distribute pressure in the hinge area. This not only improves the visual finish but also increases the device's durability. Fine M-Tec is expected to begin supplying these components in the first quarter of 2026, with volumes of around 13–15 million pieces.
The commitment to high-strength panels and advanced techniques, such as laser for the manufacture of internal hinges, also means an increase in the cost of each component, although Apple would be willing to take it on to ensure a user experience that meets your quality standards.
Leaked features of the next foldable iPhone
Several important specifications of the prototypes in development have been leaked. The Foldable iPhone would have an internal screen of approximately 7,8 inches, similar in size to an iPad mini, while the external screen is expected to be around 5,5 inches, approaching the brand's most compact models. The design is expected to adopt a "book-like" format, similar to some recent devices from Samsung or Google.
In the photographic section, The terminal would include four cameras, with two rear cameras of 48 MP, an internal camera for selfies and another for video calls with the device unfolded. In addition, some rumors suggest that it could return the Touch ID system as a primary authentication measure. In terms of materials, the frame and hinges are made of titanium to provide strength and lightness.
Apple enters the foldable market with caution
Apple's move not only involves a technological leap for the company, but also a direct challenge for Samsung, which has led the flexible smartphone segment for years. Although competition will intensify, early forecasts indicate that Apple will focus its model on its own users, without this meaning, at least in the short term, a massive exodus of Android users.
The introduction of the foldable iPhone could boost the popularity of this type of device., still a niche product in the global smartphone market. If the estimated timing holds, the launch could coincide with the iPhone 18 family, although, as is often the case with Apple, nothing is definitive until it's officially announced.
The movements detected in the supply chain and the Preparation of exclusive production lines in Korea and Vietnam They paint a picture in which Samsung will be a key player in Apple's debut in the world of foldable phones. Everything points to the collaboration between the two companies marking a turning point in this category, with technological advances like the "creaseless" display that could become a new standard of quality in the sector.