As Samsung launches its latest foldables — the Galaxy Z Flip7 and Z Fold7— eyes are now turning to Apple’s first foldable iPhone. Samsung Display has reportedly secured a multi-year exclusive deal to supply foldable OLED panels for the device, set to debut in 2026, according to ETNews.
The report suggests that Samsung Display is finalizing a dedicated production line at its A3 plant in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, to exclusively supply foldable OLEDs for Apple. The project, which began in late 2024, is now nearing completion, as per ETNews.
According to ETNews, Apple aims to produce 6 to 8 million foldable iPhones in its launch year of 2026. To meet this demand, Samsung’s exclusive foldable OLED line will produce 35,000 sixth-generation glass substrates monthly — enough for about 1.5 million 7-inch foldable panels annually, or roughly 1.25 million per month, the report adds.
While the dedicated OLED line may have more capacity than the initial demand, Samsung Display is reportedly preparing for future models as Apple intends to release foldables on a yearly cycle, as highlighted by the report.
Korean Economic Daily prevoiusly suggested that by entering the foldable iPhone supply chain, Samsung’s dominance in the global foldable OLED display market is expected to be further solidified, boosting its share from 40% to over 70%.
Foldable iPhone Buzz: Price, Design and More
Notably, the Korea Herald highlights that Apple’s new foldable iPhone could carry a steep price of $2,000 to $2,500 — and that’s before factoring in potential U.S. tariffs. Since roughly 80% of iPhones are manufactured in China, sources cited by the report warn that new tariffs could push Apple’s foldable about $100 to $300 more expensive than Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold7.
At the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event in New York on July 9, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip7 and Z Fold7, holding prices steady despite upgrades and growing trade tensions. According to the Korea Herald, the Flip7’s price remained unchanged in Korea and the US, while the Fold7 saw a modest 6% bump—about 150,000 won ($109)—well below the expected 10–20% increase.
According to MacRumors, Apple’s first foldable iPhone is set to debut with a sleek inward-folding OLED screen. But as CNBC points out, rivals like Huawei and Samsung have been releasing foldable phones since 2019—devices that offer tablet-sized displays in pocket-friendly designs—meaning Apple faces tough competition and high expectations in a market still working through technical challenges.
(Photo credit: Samsung Display)
