Apple may be preparing for strong demand for its first foldable iPhone. According to a report from Korean publication ET News, Apple has placed a large order of foldable OLED panels from Samsung Display, suggesting it may be preparing for an upcoming foldable iPhone.
According to the supply chain, Apple will be placing an order for approximately twenty-three million individual foldable display panels, which is an astounding quantity. This amount of the order shows everyone in this business that Apple will have a new type of phone in the near future (most likely one with a folding screen).
However, we’re not anywhere close to an announcement from Apple about such an item – but reports from the supply chain are usually good indicators of products long before they reach the store (or, in this case, are launched).
Large display order hints at bigger launch plans
According to the report, Apple will have up to 22 million foldable OLED panels from Samsung Display. At first glance, this figure could mean that Apple intends to produce 22 million foldable iPhones. However, most companies order surplus parts since not all parts will be suitable for assembly after passing through quality control.
This image is AI-generated and used for representational purposes only.
Accordingly, the number of devices actually produced will likely be much lower than this. Analysts suggest that the original panel order would allow Apple to produce a total of 10 million foldable iPhones in the first production run. Forecasts were smaller before. Recent estimates suggest that Apple would introduce approximately 6 – 8 million devices to test the market. Assuming these latest indications are accurate, Apple may be planning a much larger device launch than previously anticipated.
Samsung Display is likely to supply the screens
According to the report, Samsung Display is the main vendor of foldable displays. Samsung has developed the ability to use foldable display technology in its cell phones over the last several years. Samsung has developed the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip lines of cell phones, and these products use foldable OLEDs manufactured solely by Samsung Displays. Samsung currently holds a market-leading position in the development of foldable display technology due to its experience in the mobile industry.
Apple tends to use multiple manufacturers for its key components, but because foldable-screen production is still a niche in the mobile device field, Samsung remains Apple’s preferred choice as an established, trusted source of these products. Some reports also say Samsung could build a production line mainly for Apple’s foldable display orders.
What the foldable iPhone might look like
There is still no official information about the design of Apple’s foldable phone. However, several industry reports point to a book-style foldable design. This means the phone would open like a book, similar to some foldable phones already available today.
This image is AI-generated and used for representational purposes only.
When closed, the device could have an outer screen of around 5.5 inches. When opened, the main display might expand to roughly 7.8 inches. That would make it close to the size of a small tablet when unfolded. Apple will undoubtedly invest heavily in improving the crease at the center of the screen on most current-generation foldable devices. Presently, the crease is visible on today’s foldable phones where the display meets at the bend.
Apple aims to create better hinge designs that protect displays from damage during folding and unfolding and to reduce the crease’s visibility. They will also look for ways to make their products last through multiple folds, as foldable devices have several parts that move individually; therefore, Apple will need to build strong hinges and screens.
The price could be higher than most iPhones
Foldable smartphones are usually more expensive than regular phones. Some reports suggest Apple’s foldable iPhone could start at more than $2,000. One estimate even placed the possible price near $2,300.
The main reason is the cost of the foldable display and hinge system. These parts are more complex to build compared to standard smartphone components. Even at a high price, Apple may still see interest from people who want the latest iPhone model.
Exciting 6 Foldable iPhone Clues From Apple’s Huge Samsung Display Deal 1Launch may still be a few years away
Apple has not officially announced a foldable iPhone so far. However, several supply chain reports now point toward a possible launch around 2026. Production of display panels and other components usually begins long before a device is revealed. Precisely for this reason, experts in the technology business monitor initial sales figures and promotional content from manufacturers/retailers as indicators of demand.
If Apple does eventually release a foldable iPhone, that could be extremely important to foldables as a category because it legitimizes foldables as an actual product type and generates additional/maximal visibility. The news continues to evolve daily regarding possible iPhones, but at this time, it remains unavailable. The latest report indicates Apple may be ready for substantial iPhone demand at launch.