Apple is poised to enter the foldable smartphone market, with Samsung Display gearing up to produce the necessary OLED panels. According to industry insiders, Samsung Display plans to commence mass production of these foldable panels in the fourth quarter of 2025, aligning with Apple’s anticipated launch of its first foldable iPhone in the latter half of 2026. ([koreajoongangdaily.joins.com](https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-07-13/business/industry/Samsung-to-set-Q4-target-for-Apples-folding-panel-production/2350972?utm_source=openai))
This collaboration marks a significant shift in Apple’s supply chain strategy. Traditionally, Apple diversifies its component suppliers to mitigate risks and reduce costs. However, for its foldable iPhone, Apple has chosen Samsung Display as the exclusive provider of the OLED panels. This decision is attributed to Samsung’s technological prowess in producing high-quality, crease-free foldable displays—a critical factor for Apple, which prioritizes quality over price. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2025/04/15/foldable-iphone-samsung-oled-panels/?utm_source=openai))
The forthcoming foldable iPhone is expected to feature a 7.8-inch internal display and a 5.5-inch external screen, adopting a book-style folding mechanism similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. Apple aims to eliminate the visible crease commonly found in current foldable devices, striving for a seamless user experience. To achieve this, Samsung Display has developed a new display process that integrates the touch sensor directly into the display panel, reducing overall thickness by approximately 19% compared to existing Galaxy Z Fold components. This advancement results in a lighter and more rigid display structure. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2025/05/08/apple-foldable-iphone-display-new-tech/?utm_source=openai))
The production line dedicated to Apple’s foldable iPhone is being established at Samsung Display’s A3 factory in Asan, Chungcheongnam-do. This facility will be capable of producing up to 15 million 7-inch foldable OLED panels annually. Apple plans an initial production run of 6 to 8 million units, with the potential for annual updates to the foldable iPhone lineup. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2025/07/10/foldable-iphone-display-production-begins/?utm_source=openai))
Apple’s decision to enter the foldable market comes at a time when the segment is experiencing sluggish growth due to high prices and durability concerns. By leveraging Samsung’s expertise and focusing on quality, Apple aims to set a new standard in the foldable smartphone industry. The collaboration between Apple and Samsung Display is expected to benefit suppliers closely tied to Samsung, particularly Fine M-Tec, a Korean company specializing in display metal plates. These plates are crucial for achieving a crease-free screen by distributing and controlling the stress generated during folding, thereby reducing the risk of material fatigue. ([ainvest.com](https://www.ainvest.com/news/apple-foldable-iphone-finally-coming-2026-samsung-2507/?utm_source=openai))
In summary, Apple’s partnership with Samsung Display signifies a strategic move to ensure the success of its first foldable iPhone. By relying on Samsung’s advanced display technology and manufacturing capabilities, Apple is positioning itself to deliver a high-quality, durable foldable device that could redefine the market.
