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Apple’s long-awaited foldable iPhone appears to be moving closer to reality. Samsung Display has reportedly started mass production of foldable OLED panels that will power Apple’s first foldable smartphone, signalling that the device has entered an important stage of the manufacturing process ahead of its expected launch in 2026. The development also strengthens Samsung Display’s position as Apple’s key display supplier for next-generation devices.

Industry reports indicate that Samsung Display will be the exclusive supplier of foldable OLED panels for Apple’s first foldable iPhone under a multi-year agreement, highlighting the technological gap between Samsung and other display manufacturers in the foldable segment.

Samsung Display Begins Mass Production

According to reports from South Korea, Samsung Display has started manufacturing foldable OLED panels at its production facility in Asan, South Korea, while module assembly is being carried out at its factory in Vietnam. The company is reportedly preparing an initial batch of around three million foldable displays for Apple.

Mass production suggests that Apple has completed much of its design validation process and is moving towards large-scale manufacturing of its first foldable smartphone.

Apple Bets on Samsung’s Foldable Display Expertise

Samsung has led the foldable smartphone market since launching the original Galaxy Fold in 2019, giving its display division years of experience in developing flexible OLED panels and durable folding mechanisms.

Reports suggest Apple selected Samsung Display after the company successfully met strict quality requirements, particularly regarding durability, brightness, and crease reduction. Samsung is expected to remain Apple’s exclusive foldable display supplier for at least the first three years of production.

What We Know About Apple’s Foldable iPhone

Although Apple has not officially announced the device, multiple industry reports indicate that the company’s first foldable iPhone will feature a book-style design similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series rather than a clamshell flip phone.

The device is expected to include an internal display measuring approximately 7.8 inches and a 5.5-inch external screen. Apple is also believed to be focusing heavily on minimising or eliminating the visible crease that remains common on many existing foldable smartphones.

Foldable Market Set for Greater Competition

Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone segment could significantly reshape the market. Until now, Samsung has dominated premium foldables, while brands such as Google, Huawei, Honor, Oppo, and Vivo have gradually expanded their own offerings.

Industry analysts believe Apple’s arrival could accelerate consumer adoption of foldable devices, encouraging app developers and accessory makers to optimise products for larger flexible displays.

A Major Opportunity for Samsung Display

While Samsung Electronics may eventually compete directly with Apple’s foldable iPhone, Samsung Display stands to benefit regardless of which brand sells more devices.

Supplying millions of OLED panels to Apple is expected to generate substantial revenue for Samsung Display and reinforce its leadership in premium OLED manufacturing. The partnership also demonstrates how competitors in the smartphone market often collaborate within global technology supply chains.

Launch Expected in 2026

Industry reports suggest Apple is targeting a 2026 launch for its first foldable iPhone, likely alongside the iPhone 18 lineup. While Apple has yet to confirm the product publicly, the start of display production indicates that development is progressing according to schedule.

If successful, Apple’s first foldable iPhone could become one of the biggest smartphone launches in recent years, introducing foldable technology to millions of Apple users and intensifying competition in the premium smartphone market.

Summary

Samsung Display has reportedly begun mass production of foldable OLED panels for Apple’s first foldable iPhone, expected to launch in 2026. The company is said to be Apple’s exclusive display supplier under a multi-year agreement and is preparing an initial batch of around three million panels. The move marks a major milestone in Apple’s foldable smartphone journey and is expected to intensify competition in the premium foldable market.

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