Apple to Use Samsung Foldable OLEDs Exclusively for First iPhone Fold

Apple has entered into an exclusive agreement to source foldable organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels from Samsung Display for the next three years. This arrangement ensures that Samsung will be the sole provider of displays for Apple’s first foldable smartphone, identified in reports as either the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra.

The decision marks a departure from Apple’s standard supply chain strategy, which typically involves diversifying component sources among multiple vendors—such as LG Display and China’s BOE—to maintain competitive pricing and ensure a consistent supply. According to reports, Apple accepted these exclusive terms due to a lack of viable alternative suppliers capable of meeting its specific quality and technical requirements.

Technical Specifications and Display Technology

The foldable iPhone is expected to feature a book-style design. It will reportedly include two screens: a 5.5-inch external display for use when the device is closed and a 7.8-inch main internal display that unfolds to provide an experience similar in size to an iPad mini.

To address the durability challenges associated with foldable screens, Samsung will supply panels equipped with Color filter on Encapsulation (CoE) technology. CoE removes the polarizer and instead forms a color filter layer on top of the encapsulation layer. This technical choice is critical because traditional polarizers can cause cracking at the bending points of foldable devices.

Apple has also opted to use M14 OLED materials for the foldable screens, the same materials utilized in the iPhone 17 Pro Max. This decision was based on reliability and lower costs, as Apple is utilizing a design that has already been tested and verified.

Production Timelines and Shipping Volume

Samsung Display is scheduled to begin production of the foldable OLED panels for Apple in the second quarter of 2026. While initial shipment expectations were once as high as 10 million units, reports indicate that Apple has since instructed manufacturing partners to plan for a significantly lower initial volume of approximately 3 million units.

There are conflicting reports regarding the official launch date. Bloomberg indicates that development is progressing smoothly and the device is set to launch during the standard September iPhone timeframe in 2026. However, a report from Nikkei suggests that engineering delays could push the release of the iPhone Fold into 2027.

Despite potential assembly delays, long-term projections suggest Samsung may eventually supply over 15 million units annually, an increase from earlier estimates of 9 million units.

Market Positioning and Pricing

Apple is reportedly taking a cautious approach toward the demand for the iPhone Fold, also referred to as the iPhone Ultra. The company has indicated that it expects a market response similar to that of the Vision Pro, where the device is primarily adopted by early adopters due to its high cost.

The iPhone Ultra is estimated to have a starting price between $2,000 and $2,400, making it the most expensive smartphone Apple has ever released.

The delay in launching a foldable device, which has spanned eight years, is attributed to Apple’s dissatisfaction with the fragility of existing folding screens and the visibility of the screen crease. Apple prioritized solving these issues before bringing a foldable product to market.

Industry Impact

By selecting Samsung as its exclusive partner, Apple has effectively sidelined other major display contenders, including LG Display and BOE. Samsung’s experience producing foldable screens for its Galaxy series since 2019 provided the technical edge necessary to meet Apple’s standards for minimizing the screen crease.

This exclusive partnership is expected to significantly strengthen Samsung Display’s position in the global market. Industry analysts suggest that once shipments begin, Samsung’s global share of the foldable OLED market could increase from 40% to over 70%.