When it comes to building its first foldable smartphone, Apple is relying heavily on an established rival for the most important part of the hardware. The tech giant has reportedly signed a massive three-year agreement with Samsung to supply the flexible screens for its upcoming iPhone Duo device. This exclusive partnership shows just how much it costs to bring a premium bending screen to market, as the smartphone maker will be paying top dollar for every single panel it installs.
A pricey component makes up a huge part of the cost
According to recent supply chain leaks, the tech giant will pay roughly $250 for each foldable screen used in the new phone to Samsung. This steep price tag makes the display one of the most expensive individual parts inside the entire product. The three-year contract means the supplier will serve as the exclusive provider for these specific bending panels, locking in a steady revenue stream while keeping its competitors out of the supply chain for this product cycle.
New screen materials offer improved brightness and longer battery life
To justify the high cost, the smartphone maker is getting access to the newest M16 OLED material set from the display manufacturer. This specific technology brings noticeable improvements over older folding screens, offering a brighter picture and better color performance. It also operates with much higher power efficiency, which helps extend the daily battery life of the device. Buyers eager to see this screen in person can check the pre-order and delivery dates to find out when the phone will arrive.
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With such an expensive display taking up a huge chunk of the manufacturing budget, it is clear why foldable phones remain priced at a premium. The display deal guarantees that the upcoming device will feature a top-tier screen, though it forces the brand to rely on a major competitor to make it happen.
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