Foldable iPhone technology is edging closer to reality, with recent reports indicating that Samsung Display is set to produce panels for this innovative device.
As reported by South Korean news source Chosun Biz, President of Samsung Display, Lee Cheong, informed journalists in Seoul that they are preparing to mass-manufacture foldable OLED screens for a “North American client.” Although the client’s identity remains undisclosed, speculation heavily favours Apple. Samsung Display is already known for producing screens for the iPhone, and the timing coincides with ongoing expectations surrounding the release of a foldable iPhone in 2026.
If these reports hold true, the foldable iPhone, potentially named the iPhone Fold, might debut alongside the iPhone 18 series in September 2026. Production of Samsung’s new 8.6th generation OLED panels, which are rumoured to offer greater efficiency than the current 6th generation, is anticipated to commence in the third quarter of the upcoming year.
What to Anticipate from the Foldable iPhone
Rumours suggest that Apple’s initial foldable device could comprise a substantial 7.74-inch internal display alongside a 5.49-inch cover screen. It is expected to be ultra-slim, at just 4.8mm when unfolded – thinner than the 5.6mm iPhone Air – and more streamlined compared to competitive foldables such as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Design insights hint that Apple may integrate two 48MP rear cameras and a selfie camera on both displays. The device is also thought to feature a 24MP under-display camera and might utilise Touch ID instead of Face ID, promoting a nearly all-screen design devoid of a notch or Dynamic Island.
The device is likely to be powered by Apple’s next-generation silicon, which is expected to be the A20 chipset.
Projected Price and Availability
Though Apple has yet to provide any confirmations, analysts predict that the iPhone Fold will arrive with a premium price tag. Estimates indicate that it could retail for approximately $2,000 in the US, positioning it as one of the priciest iPhones to date.
As Apple ventures into the foldable market years after Samsung’s initial Galaxy Fold release in 2019, expectations are elevated. Whether the iPhone Fold justifies the wait remains uncertain, but Apple aficionados might have less than a year to start setting aside funds.