Could Samsung Have Just Confirmed Apple’s Foldable iPhone Plans?

The long-rumoured foldable iPhone now appears closer to reality than ever, thanks to a Samsung executive confirming an essential detail. The comments from a Samsung executive are being widely interpreted as a confirmation of a supply deal with Apple.

Samsung will produce displays for the foldable iPhone

Reported by Korean media outlet Chosun Biz, Lee Cheong, President of the Display department at Samsung, when speaking to journalists, revealed that the firm will soon mass-produce foldable displays for a major "North American client".

While Cheong did not explicitly mention Apple, it's pretty clear that he is talking about the Cupertino giant amidst all the rumours of the upcoming foldable iPhone.

We are not only accelerating preparations for mass production of 8.6th-generation IT OLED to be produced next year and OLED for foldable phones to be supplied to a North American client, but also that government tax incentives for the development of the display industry should continue

— Lee Chong, President - Samsung Display

Lee also added that the display uses a larger glass substrate than the current mainstream displays, leading to minimal display crease and great legibility.

Given Apple's heavy reliance on Samsung for its high-end OLED displays, it is the most likely candidate for this large-scale order. What adds more weight to this speculation is that Apple's first foldable device is rumoured to be on track for a 2026 debut. It could launch alongside the iPhone 18 series.

While most of the details about Apple's upcoming foldables are unknown, rumours suggest it could feature an inward-folding crease-free display with Touch ID and Apple A20 Pro chip, alongside dual-rear cameras.

Considering we are less than a year away from witnessing Apple's first foldable, more information about the same should start dropping anytime soon. Stay tuned as we will closely follow the launch of Apple's first foldable iPhone.