Samsung reportedly gearing up to produce foldable iPhone displays

Following a recent Digitimes report that Apple’s foldable iPhone has reached the initial P1 prototyping stage, two new reports now claim that Samsung Display is preparing to begin panel production by the end of this year, including Ming-Chi Kuo.

Yet another claim that the foldable iPhone is on track for a 2026 release

According to the report by Korea JoongAng Daily (via MacMagazine), Samsung Display is aiming to kick off mass production of foldable OLED panels for Apple in Q4:

“Samsung Display will begin the production of the panels intended for Apple’s first folding iPhones early in the fourth quarter to meet the launch schedule of the new phone line, which is set for the second half of 2026,” said the source with knowledge of the matter.

That 2026 launch window has now been echoed by multiple reports within just a few days, including a new blog post by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who says Apple has is expected to choose Samsung’s “crease-free” display solution to ensure stable mass production:

“SDC’s crease-free display solution for foldable iPhone: Fine M-Tec the leading winner. My latest industry survey indicates that Apple is expected to adopt SDC’s (Samsung Display) crease-free display solution—rather than its own design—to ensure stable mass production of the foldable iPhone in 2H26. This decision will benefit suppliers closely aligned with SDC, with Fine M-Tec, a supplier of display metal plates (also referred to as internal hinges), emerging as the leading beneficiary.”

As Kuo explains, Samsung Display’s crease-free solution for Apple includes a key component from Fine M-Tec, a supplier of display metal plates that serve as internal hinges to prevent creasing by evenly distributing bending stress.

To meet Apple’s durability standards, Fine M-Tec is introducing advanced laser-drilling techniques, raising unit prices to $30–35. The company is expected to begin shipments in Q1 2026, with projected volumes of 13–15 million units to account for yield losses and spare parts.

Samsung’s foldable experience gives it a lead over rival display makers

As observed by Korea JoongAng Daily, while Apple typically prefers to diversify its suppliers, Samsung Display remains the only panel maker that meets Cupertino’s foldable quality and yield standards.

China’s BOE, which supplies panels to Huawei and some iPhone models, reportedly still falls short in foldables, while LG Display, which provides OLED panels for other Apple devices, has no plans to enter the foldable market at all.

“Samsung Display could maintain its market dominance through 2026 as the sole supplier for Apple’s first foldable,” said Han Chang-wook of UBI Research.

The Korean publication’s sources also say that Samsung is wrapping up a conversion of one of its manufacturing lines in Asan, South Korea, to focus exclusively on Apple’s demand. Meanwhile, Kuo
adds that Fine M-Tec is set to expand its Vietnam manufacturing capacity to meet Apple’s projected demand, and could secure over 80% of the supply share.

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