Samsung Almost Confirms Apple’s First Foldable iPhone for 2026

Apple’s much-rumoured foldable iPhone could finally see the light of day in 2026, with fresh reports suggesting that Samsung Display will supply advanced foldable OLED panels for the device.

Apple’s First Foldable iPhone May Debut with iPhone 18 Series

Samsung Display’s Role

According to South Korean outlet Chosun Biz, Samsung Display President Lee Cheong revealed in Seoul that the company is preparing to mass-produce foldable OLED panels for a “North American client.” Although the client was not explicitly named, industry insiders strongly believe it is Apple.

Samsung Display already provides screens for the iPhone lineup, and this development aligns with long-standing rumours of a foldable iPhone launch in September 2026.

What to Expect from the iPhone Fold

Display & Design Features

Leaks suggest that Apple’s first foldable iPhone, potentially called the iPhone Fold, may include:

• A 7.74-inch internal display

• A 5.49-inch cover screen

• An ultra-thin design at just 4.8mm when unfolded, slimmer than the 5.6mm iPhone Air and even sleeker than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7

Camera Setup

Rumours indicate that the device could be equipped with:

• Two 48MP rear cameras

• Selfie cameras on both displays

• A 24MP under-display camera

• Possible integration of Touch ID instead of Face ID, enabling a notch-free, nearly all-screen design

Hardware Power

The iPhone Fold will likely run on Apple’s A20 chipset, the company’s next-generation silicon designed for high efficiency and performance.

Production Timeline and Pricing

Panel Production

Samsung’s new 8.6th-generation OLED panels, touted as more efficient than the current 6th generation panels, are expected to enter production in Q3 2026.

iPhone Fold Expected Price

While Apple has not confirmed any official details, analysts expect the iPhone Fold to be priced around $2,000 (approx. ₹1.67 lakh in India), making it one of the most expensive iPhones ever released.

Market Impact and Competition

Apple will be entering the foldable market seven years after Samsung’s first Galaxy Fold (2019). Despite being late, expectations are high due to Apple’s history of redefining product categories.

If successful, the iPhone Fold could reshape the premium smartphone market, setting new benchmarks in design, thinness, and performance.

Conclusion

The potential launch of the iPhone Fold in 2026 represents one of Apple’s most ambitious moves in recent years, marking its official entry into the foldable smartphone segment. Backed by Samsung Display’s advanced OLED technology and Apple’s long-standing reputation for design excellence and hardware-software integration, the foldable iPhone has the potential to redefine premium smartphones.

Features such as an ultra-thin body, powerful A20 chipset, and advanced camera system could set a new benchmark in the market. However, the expected $2,000 price tag raises questions about accessibility and adoption, especially in markets where affordability plays a critical role.

Apple is entering a space already dominated by Samsung and other competitors, meaning consumer expectations will be extremely high. If the iPhone Fold delivers on performance, durability, and innovation, it could not only justify the premium but also reshape the future of foldable devices, cementing Apple’s dominance in the next wave of mobile technology.