There’s still one smartphone category where Apple is noticeably absent and late to the party: foldables. Apple has yet to release a device in this segment. Rumors about the iPhone Fold aren’t new, and recent reports suggest that Apple will finally debut one next year alongside the iPhone 18 series.

Samsung Display boss may have just confirmed Apple’s iPhone Fold plans

Apple’s iPhone Fold will reportedly use OLED panels made by Samsung Display. Now, it seems Samsung may have just confirmed Apple’s foldable plans. In a report from Chosun Biz, Samsung Display President Lee Cheong said the company is preparing mass production for a “North American” client.

So, what’s the first North American phone maker that comes to mind when thinking about entering the foldables market? All signs point to Apple and its debut iPhone Fold. For the record, Cheong didn’t name a specific company, but it’s widely believed he was referring to Apple.

Sure, Google is another major North American phone maker. But Samsung Display likely wouldn’t make such an announcement for Google, since it’s already well known that Google sources most of its displays from Samsung Display and LG Display.

iPhone Fold could debut at Apple’s fall event in 2026

Cheong also noted that the client in question typically releases its flagship products in the second half of the year. That is, the fall or third quarter in calendar terms. And we know which phone maker is best known for announcing new devices around that time.

Rumors suggest that the Apple iPhone Fold could feature a 5.5-inch cover display and a 7.8-inch inner screen. If accurate, this would give it a more compact feel compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which has a 6.5-inch cover display and an 8-inch inner screen. Unlike other iPhones, it may include a side-mounted Touch ID instead of Face ID.

Time and again, leaks have suggested that Apple could price the iPhone Fold (or whatever it ends up being called) around $2,000. That would place it in the same league as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold line. And majorly, it will give Samsung its first real rival in the high-end foldables market.