Apple is gearing up to release its first foldable smartphone, and the early numbers suggest it might completely reshape the market. New supply chain reports indicate that Apple is preparing for massive demand, potentially shipping more units of the iPhone Fold than all of Samsung’s foldable phones combined.
Apple has placed a massive display order
Recent reports from South Korea reveal that Apple has significantly increased its initial order for foldable display panels from Samsung Display. The tech giant is now asking for up to 20 million units. This is a massive jump from earlier estimates that placed the order between 13 and 15 million screens.
Shipping 20 million display panels does not automatically translate to 20 million phones sold. However, it shows exactly how confident Apple is in the potential success of this device. To put those numbers into perspective, Samsung is currently the undisputed leader in the foldable space. Yet, Samsung has reportedly set a sales target of around seven million foldable devices for all of 2026. That figure includes every model in its lineup, from the Galaxy Z Flip to the larger Z Fold and new Z TriFold.
What this really means is Apple expects a single device to move nearly three times as much volume as its biggest competitor’s entire foldable catalog. If the company hits those targets, it will instantly dominate a product category that Android manufacturers have spent years trying to build.
What to expect from the hardware
As the launch date approaches, more details about the phone itself are starting to surface. The iPhone Fold is tipped to feature a squatter design with a wider internal display, resembling earlier devices like the original Google Pixel Fold or the Oppo Find N.
Apple is also reportedly focusing on durability and battery life. Rumors suggest the company has engineered a nearly crease-free folding mechanism. On top of that, the device is expected to pack a massive 5,500 mAh battery, which would easily outlast most current foldable competitors. For photography, users will likely find a dual-camera system on the back, keeping the physical design slightly simpler than the traditional Pro models.
The stakes are high. If Apple can deliver a polished device at launch, it could turn a niche hardware trend into a mainstream requirement overnight.
