Samsung Display president Lee Cheong confirmed plans to manufacture foldable smartphone displays for a major North American client, widely believed to be Apple. Speaking to journalists in Seoul last week, Cheong revealed Samsung is accelerating mass production preparations for OLED displays designed for foldable devices, though he declined to identify the client specifically.
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Apple’s First Foldable iPhone
The confirmation solidifies rumors about Apple’s first foldable iPhone, expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 lineup in fall 2026. Industry sources suggest the device will feature an inward-folding crease-free display, distinguishing it from current foldable smartphones that show visible creases after extended use.
Leaked specifications indicate a 5.5-inch outer display and 7.8-inch inner screen when unfolded. The device reportedly measures just 4.5mm thick when unfolded and approximately 9.5mm when folded—remarkably thin compared to competing foldable devices from Samsung and other manufacturers.
| Rumored Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Outer Display | 5.5 inches |
| Inner Display | 7.8 inches (unfolded) |
| Thickness (Unfolded) | 4.5mm |
| Thickness (Folded) | ~9.5mm |
| Camera System | Likely 48MP + 48MP dual setup |
| Authentication | Touch ID (not Face ID) |
| Processor | A20 Pro SoC |
| Modem | C2 modem |
| Body Material | Titanium |
Design and Authentication Changes
Apple’s foldable reportedly abandons Face ID in favor of Touch ID fingerprint authentication. This strategic shift addresses the challenge of integrating Face ID’s sensor array into a foldable form factor while maintaining the thin profile necessary for competitive foldable devices.
The titanium body construction mirrors Apple’s recent premium iPhone design language while providing the structural integrity required for foldable mechanisms. Titanium’s strength-to-weight ratio makes it ideal for devices with moving parts and hinges subject to repeated stress.
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Camera and Performance
The dual 48MP camera configuration suggests Apple is prioritizing photographic quality over quantity. Rather than cramming multiple sensors with varying capabilities, the rumored setup focuses on two high-resolution sensors capable of delivering flagship-level photography in a foldable form factor.
The A20 Pro SoC represents Apple’s next-generation silicon, likely built on advanced manufacturing processes delivering performance improvements over current A-series chips. Paired with the C2 modem, the device should offer enhanced 5G connectivity and power efficiency compared to previous iPhone generations.
Samsung’s Strategic Position
Samsung Display’s involvement places the Korean manufacturer in the interesting position of supplying displays to its primary smartphone competitor. However, Samsung Display operates independently from Samsung Electronics’ mobile division, and display panel manufacturing remains a crucial revenue stream.
Samsung’s experience producing foldable displays for its Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series positions them as the logical partner for Apple’s first foldable attempt. The crease-free display technology Apple demands likely leverages Samsung’s years of foldable display research and development.
The fall 2026 timeline gives Apple and Samsung approximately one year to finalize production processes, quality standards, and supply chain logistics before mass manufacturing begins.
FAQs
When will Apple’s foldable iPhone launch?
The foldable iPhone is expected to launch in fall 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 lineup, less than a year away.
Will the Apple foldable have a visible crease?
Rumors suggest Apple’s inward-folding design will be crease-free, distinguishing it from current foldable smartphones with visible creases.
