Apple’s long-rumoured foldable iPhone is starting to look a lot more real – and it seems Samsung will play a huge role in making it happen.
According to reports, Apple has struck a deal to source foldable OLED panels exclusively from Samsung for the next three years.
This effectively locks out other suppliers. It’s a notable move, but not entirely surprising. Samsung remains the leader in foldable display tech. In fact, Apple didn’t have many viable alternatives.
The foldable iPhone itself is expected to take on a book-style design, opening up into a larger inner display roughly the size of an iPad mini. That puts it closer to devices like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold range than a clamshell flip phone. Therefore, this suggests Apple is targeting productivity as much as novelty.
Under the hood, the display tech is just as interesting. Samsung is said to be using CoE (Color filter on Encapsulation), a design that removes the traditional polariser layer, a common weak point in foldable screens where cracking can occur. Instead, the colour filter sits directly on top of the encapsulation layer. This improves durability where it matters most.
Apple is also said to be sticking with M14 OLED materials, the same used in its flagship iPhone 17 Pro Max, rather than switching to something entirely new. The reasoning is simple: reliability and cost. For a first-gen foldable, Apple appears to be playing it safe with proven components.
As for timing, things are still a bit mixed. Some reports point to a September launch window, in line with Apple’s usual iPhone cycle. However, others suggest delays could push it further out. Either way, production of the display panels is reportedly set to begin soon. There is an initial batch of around three million units planned.
The company already uses OLED tech in iPads and Apple Watches. Furthermore, OLED Macs and more tablets are expected in the coming years.
For now, though, if Apple’s foldable iPhone lands soon, it’ll be powered by Samsung’s display expertise.
The post Apple’s iPhone Fold will arrive with a little help from Samsung appeared first on Trusted Reviews.