Report: Samsung starts screen production for Apple's first foldable
Apple's first foldable iPhone is not due to be released until next year. Samsung Display has now apparently started manufacturing the appropriate screen.
Foldable from Samsung: The component subsidiary Samsung Display probably also supplies Apple.
(Image: Samsung)
The rumor mill still firmly believes that Apple will launch a foldable iPhone on the market for the first time next year. Following initial details about a possible imminent start of production, there is now new information from Apple's supply chain. Apparently, Samsung Display, the screen subsidiary of the electronics company (and Apple competitor), is currently in the process of setting up its own production line just for Apple. This is reported by the trade journal ETNews, which itself is published in South Korea. The factory is being built in Asan-Si in the province of South Chungcheong.
Double the production capacity
Samsung Display is using the so-called A3 factory for this. It is said to be able to produce up to 15 million OLED panels in a size of 7 inches in one year. However, it is unclear whether Apple will use this entire capacity. The first iPhone foldable is to be part of the iPhone 18 line, which will then comprise up to five models: iPhone 18, the particularly thin iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the foldable iPhone 18, the name of which has not yet been leaked.
According to ETNews, Samsung has managed to take over the entire production for Apple – over several years. Up to eight million of the foldable iPhones are to be delivered in 2026, including the pre-production that is now beginning.
which is now starting, is probably included. A launch is not expected before fall 2026. Samsung Display is a long-standing partner of Apple and produces the panels according to precise specifications that go beyond what other component buyers require from the manufacturer.
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Samsung has a lot of experience
Samsung Display has gained a lot of experience with its own products. Samsung's mobile division has had its own foldables in its range since 2019 and has improved them year on year. However, Apple wants to go beyond what already exists and has reportedly developed its own very robust hinge design as well as a screen that shows almost no fold when unfolded.
Samsung Display had already participated in Apple's transition from LCD technology to OLED screens. This happened at Apple with the iPhone X in 2017, and all iPhones are now equipped with the technology. The first iPhone foldable is also expected to be very thin and fold out into a kind of iPad. The 7-inch display will probably have a 4:3 format. Apple is also said to be relying on a Touch ID fingerprint sensor. The price for the model could be around 2500 euros.
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