Apple has begun production of foldable OLED displays for its first-ever foldable iPhone, signaling a major step toward launch. Samsung Display is building an exclusive production line at its A3 factory in Asan, South Korea, dedicated to Apple’s foldable panels
A Creaseless, Premium Display
Reports describe the display as crease-free, with Samsung integrating the touch sensor into the panel to reduce thickness by about 19%. This results in a slim, smooth screen with no visible fold mark. The panel is expected to be around 7 inches with an iPad-style 14:10 aspect ratio
Massive Production Capacity
The production line is capable of manufacturing up to 15 million panels per year (1.25 million per month), even though Apple is projected to need only 6–8 million units in its first year of launch. This excess capacity suggests Apple is preparing for future foldable models too.
Launch Timeline & Specs
Production began in late 2024 and is in final stages, paving the way for a 2026 launch alongside the iPhone 18 series. Rumored specs include:
- ✅ 4.5 mm folded thickness
- ✅ Dual 48 MP cameras
- ✅ Metallic glass hinge
- ✅ Touch ID instead of Face ID
- ✅ A20 chip
A projected retail price is around $2,000+
Why This Matters
Apple’s entry into foldables marks a new era in its mobile strategy. After years of cautious R&D, the company appears ready to take on Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series with what could be a superior, crease-free display. Exclusive partnerships with Samsung Display reflect Apple’s demand for premium quality
Summary
Apple has officially started the journey toward its first foldable iPhone by initiating display production in collaboration with Samsung Display. The creaseless 7-inch OLED panels, massive production capacity, and strong leak-backed specs suggest a high-end device set to debut in late 2026.
