Apple’s long-awaited foldable iPhone is nearing production, with Samsung Display now close to completing a dedicated OLED panel manufacturing line. The plant, located at Samsung’s A3 factory in Asan, South Korea, will support mass production of foldable displays ahead of Apple’s planned 2026 launch.
The line will produce organic light emitting diode (OLED) screens specifically designed for Apple’s foldable device, featuring a 7.58 inch display and dual 48MP cameras in early prototypes. Apple is reportedly taking the in-folding approach, where the screen folds inward. With years of setbacks due to durability and design issues, the company appears confident enough in the progress to move into the production phase.
Samsung Prepares for Large-Scale Panel Output
Samsung Display began retooling its A3 factory in the second half of last year, replacing equipment to support foldable OLED manufacturing. The revamped production line now has the capacity to produce 35,000 sheets of 6th generation glass per month. When converted to the 7-inch foldable OLED format, the output translates to roughly 15 million panels per year or 1.25 million per month.
Apple isn’t expected to sell all of those units immediately. Market estimates suggest a first year target of 6 to 8 million units. But the added capacity gives Apple headroom if demand outpaces expectations. More importantly, it sets up Samsung Display as Apple’s exclusive supplier for foldable OLED panels for the next several years.
Exclusive Supply Deal Signals Confidence in Samsung
According to a report from ET News, Samsung Display has signed a multi-year contract with Apple to be the sole provider of foldable OLED panels for the iPhone Fold. This exclusivity reflects Apple’s confidence in Samsung’s technological lead in foldable displays and its proven capacity to deliver at scale.
Samsung Display has previously supplied Apple during other major transitions, including the shift from LCD to OLED in iPhones. The report notes that Samsung has outpaced competitors by commercializing foldable OLEDs first and maintaining a lead in rollable and stretchable display technologies.
For Apple, securing a stable and experienced supplier was key. Early development hurdles included issues with dust resistance and visible creasing on the display. These problems delayed the foldable iPhone’s launch by several years. But sources say Samsung’s latest display sample finally met Apple’s standards earlier this year, leading to the current production push.
ET News confirms that Samsung Display’s supply deal gives it a dominant position in the high-end foldable market, rivaling the company’s internal orders for its own Galaxy Z series.
With a dedicated production line nearing completion and exclusive supply agreements in place, Apple’s first foldable iPhone appears to be on track for a 2026 release.
I’ve seen a few YouTube videos showing a long list of films that have flopped this year, and others in previous years. But I feel Apple has been doing exactly that for a few years. Struggling to find a “special new product”. I have an iPhone 8 plus, 6.1″, that I love, but obviously needs replacing. Being a man, I use something women don’t, pockets. It fits my jackets, and more importantly my trousers. No need for that “are you glad to see me” joke. I think this will be a flop due to the weight, and bulkiness. A flip up phone, like the amazing Motorola (what happened to them) might work. The same weight as an iPhone, same size when open, but half the size when closed. My list of Apple flops are, Apple TV, (OK not a huge flop, but could be so much better), Apple Cars (OK still born) HomePod (excited about a true Home OS System, been waiting years), large 12″ iPads, never seen one at any business or home, Vision pro, 24″ iMacs, Mac Pro, small range of tiny monitors. 27″ just doesn’t cut it in 2025, we need 30″ or 32″. Apple will never offer wide screens for some reason. I’ve always hated Steve Jobs’ arrogant statement, his belief that “People don’t know what they want until you show it to them.” Customer feedback is free, more vital, can improve products quicker and better than a group meeting. Treating customers like morons is pretty stupid. Apple does not have the exclusivity on ideas. It takes ideas, copies and then makes them better, in some cases. I do have a long of old Apple kit that needs replacing, but sometimes I have a love/hate relationship with Apple. If only Steve listened to medical advice sooner, he might still be alive today. His achievements are just outstanding. Can never remember any CEO ever getting the outpouring of grief at his death. Thank you Steve for what you created.