Production of foldable OLED displays for Apple’s highly anticipated foldable iPhone has officially started, with a launch expected next year. Reports from Korea indicate that Samsung Display is setting up a dedicated production line for this device at its A3 factory in Asan, Chungcheongnam-do.
This new line is expected to produce 15 million 7-inch foldable OLED panels annually, and work on the facility is nearing completion. The foldable iPhone is anticipated to feature an inward-folding OLED design and will be part of Apple’s iPhone lineup for next year, which is expected to include models such as the iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
As with other iPhone models, this foldable version will likely see annual refreshes in the fall. For production in 2026, Apple plans to manufacture between six to eight million foldable iPhones.
While Samsung Display’s capacity of 15 million panels per year surpasses Apple’s needs for that year, they are reportedly preparing for future models and increased sales beyond 2026. Additionally, Samsung has forged a long-term agreement to supply Apple with foldable displays exclusively, given its extensive experience in this technology, having launched its own foldable smartphones in 2019.
Apple typically aims to diversify its suppliers, but in this case, Samsung’s expertise is considered critical. Samsung Display previously aided Apple in transitioning from LCD to OLED technology with the iPhone X and XS.
The first foldable iPhone is expected to boast a remarkably thin design at just 4.5mm, a 4:3 aspect ratio 7-inch inner display with minimal visible crease, a durable hinge, a dual rear camera system, the “A20” chip, and Touch ID functionality. Speculation suggests that the price could exceed $2,000.
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