Samsung Ramping up Production of Foldable iPhone Display, Per Report

Samsung Display is believed to be ramping up to mass produce the displays for Apple’s foldable iPhone later this year. According to two new reports, production is believed to begin by the end of the year.

The first report comes by way of Korea JoongAng Daily (via MacMagazine). It’s claimed that Samsung Display will “begin the production of the panels intended for Apple’s first folding iPhones early in the fourth quarter.” This production target is claimed to ensure the launch schedule stays on track. According to the report, Apple is eyeing a release of its foldable iPhone during the second half of 2026.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has been echoing the same sentiments. In a recent blog post, Kuo notes that Apple is leveraging Samsung’s “crease-free” display solution. “Apple is expected to adopt SDC’s (Samsung Display) crease-free display solution—rather than its own design—to ensure stable mass production of the foldable iPhone in 2H26,” Kuo writes.

Apple’s foldable ambitions include the use of a key component from Fine M-Tec, a supplier which designs display metal plates. These plates are used as internal hinges that prevent creases from forming in the display by distributing stress from the display’s bending. F M-Tec is reportedly using new laser-drilling techniques. The company is expected to begin shipments in Q1 of 2026 with supply volumes reaching between 13 to 15 million units.

Korea JoongAng Daily goes on to point out that while Apple typically leverages various suppliers. However, Samsung Display is the only panel supplier that appears to meet the standards Apple requires to confidently develop and launch its first foldable iPhone.

BOE Technology, a panel supplier for Huawei and select iPhone models, is said not to be up to the task of developing foldable displays. LG Display, another Apple supplier, is also not in the market to develop foldable panels.