Apple has been taking its time with foldable phones, but the long wait might finally be ending. Recent industry leaks point to a major shift happening behind the scenes for the highly anticipated iPhone Fold. The most significant news centers on the phone’s main display, which is reportedly hitting a critical manufacturing milestone in just a few months.
Mass production kicks off in May
According to supply chain leakers, including Instant Digital on Weibo, Samsung Display is preparing to start mass production of the OLED panels for Apple’s first foldable device in May 2026. Following that initial component run, full device assembly is scheduled to begin in July. This production timeline aligns perfectly with a traditional fall release window, likely putting the iPhone Fold on stage alongside the upcoming iPhone 18 lineup.
Apple historically waits for consumer technology to mature before jumping into a brand-new product category. For foldables, the most obvious physical hurdle has always been the visible crease right down the middle of the screen. Multiple reports indicate Apple deliberately delayed the project until engineers could figure out a way to smooth that out. Another leaker, Fixed Focus Digital, claims this new screen design will sit much flatter than other folding devices currently on the market.
However, the industry remains slightly divided on just how perfect the final result will be. Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman notes that while the newly adopted display technology significantly reduces the fold line, it does not eliminate it.
What to expect from the hardware
The current leaked specifications point to a 7.8-inch inner folding display paired with a smaller 5.5-inch outer cover screen. Under the hood, the device is expected to run on the upcoming A20 chip and utilize Apple’s custom C2 modem. Interestingly, early hardware rumors also mention the inclusion of Touch ID instead of Face ID, alongside a standard dual-camera system on the back.
What this really means is that Apple is prioritizing a refined physical design over cramming in every single top-tier camera or sensor available. By focusing heavily on a flatter, nearly invisible screen fold, they are directly addressing the main complaint consumers have about folding phones.
If Samsung manages to deliver these updated panels on schedule this May, the smartphone market will likely see a massive shift in momentum by the end of the year.
