Apple’s foldable iPhone tipped to launch in 2026, Samsung to be the sole OLED display supplier

iPhone Fold

Apple is one of the largest smartphone manufacturers globally. However, it is still surprising that the Cupertino-based tech giant has still not released a foldable smartphone, unlike its competitors like Samsung and Google, who have launched multiple generations of folding devices. But now, it seems the long wait might finally be coming to an end as the much-anticipated foldable iPhone will reportedly launch in the second half of 2026.

According to industry sources cited by BusinessKorea, Apple will use OLED panels produced by Samsung Display for its first foldable iPhone. The report adds that Samsung is the only display maker that has met Apple’s exacting standards when it comes to crease minimization, as seen in the recent Galaxy Z Fold smartphones, and this is why Apple hasn't picked rivals like LG Display and BOE to produce the display panel.

Further, this foldable is tipped to sport a book-style foldable design and will have a 5.5-inch cover display alongside a 7.8-inch inner screen. Samsung is expected to manufacture these OLED screens by the end of 2025 or early 2026, and Apple could release its first foldable handset by the end of 2026.

Additionally, according to a report by Barclay's analyst, Apple could set the price of the foldable iPhone between $2000 to $23000 (around Rs 1,71,000 to Rs 1,97,000). This is significantly higher when compared to other flagship foldable smartphones that are already available in the market, including the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 or the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.