Apple Begins Production of First Foldable iPhone Display, Launch Expected in 2026

Apple’s first foldable iPhone is officially in the works, marking a major shift in the tech giant’s mobile device strategy. According to a new report from South Korea’s ETNews, Samsung Display has begun manufacturing the foldable OLED panels exclusively for Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone, expected to launch in 2026.

The move signals Apple’s long-awaited entry into the foldable smartphone market, currently dominated by rivals like Samsung, Motorola, and Huawei. While Apple has traditionally relied on a slab-style design since the original iPhone launched in 2007, the upcoming foldable iPhone promises to bring a new dimension of functionality to the iOS ecosystem.

Samsung Display, a leading innovator in OLED and foldable screen technology, is reported to be Apple’s sole supplier for this first-gen foldable model. Despite the companies’ competitive rivalry, Apple’s decision to partner exclusively with Samsung highlights the latter’s superior manufacturing expertise and years of experience powering the Galaxy Z Fold series. 

 

This exclusivity deviates from Apple’s usual supply chain strategy of working with multiple vendors to diversify risk. The reliance on Samsung Display suggests a deep level of trust in delivering precision-engineered foldable panels with high durability and performance.

While official details are scarce, recent leaks suggest the device will feature a 7.58-inch foldable display with a unique 14.1:10 aspect ratio and a 2713 x 1920 resolution, placing it between a smartphone and a compact tablet in form factor. This positions Apple’s foldable iPhone as a potential competitor to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, offering multitasking capabilities and enhanced screen real estate for productivity and entertainment.

With the foldable phone market projected to grow exponentially over the next few years, Apple’s upcoming release is poised to shake up the segment and set new design and performance standards for premium foldable devices running iOS. Stay tuned for more updates as the 2026 launch approaches.