June 19, 2025, 12:39 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Huawei has them, as do Motorola and Samsung—foldable smartphones. Apple could be the next major manufacturer to release a foldable smartphone. But how much truth is there to the reports about a possible iPhone Fold?
Since 2019, foldable smartphones have been a topic of interest. Samsung started with the first generation of the Galaxy Fold, followed by Huawei with the Mate X. Recently, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 models, and manufacturers like Oppo and Motorola now offer several foldable smartphones to choose from. For a long time, it was unclear whether Apple would venture into such an experiment. After all, the company is traditionally conservative in terms of design. However, from time to time, reports emerge suggesting exactly that.
Samsung to Supply Foldable Displays for Apple’s iPhone Fold
A few years ago, LG was considered a partner for Apple’s first foldable phone, known online as the iPhone Fold, but things seem to have changed since then. “TrendForce” reports, based on the Chinese magazine “Economic Daily News,” that Samsung Display has now reportedly received orders from Apple for foldable screens.
There is no official confirmation yet. However, a report from “DigiTimes Asia” supports the rumor that Apple and Samsung Display now want to collaborate on foldables. This should not be surprising, as the South Koreans have been assisting the Californian company with their screens for years. Samsung Display is not a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung but a joint venture with Sony. Although Apple and Samsung are fierce competitors in the smartphone market, both primarily source their smartphone screens from Samsung Display.
According to industry insider Ming-Chi Kuo, Samsung Display plans an initial production series comprising 7 to 8 million units for 2026. This should at least meet the initial demand following the launch in fall 2026. Additional units are expected to follow in 2027 and 2028.
Read also: Are foldable smartphones the future?
When the iPhone Fold Could Appear
According to Kuo, Apple has developed a multi-year production plan. After finalizing individual components like the hinge and display, pre-production with partner Foxconn is expected to begin in the second half of 2025. Mass production is targeted for 2026.
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Technologies That Could Make the iPhone Fold Stand Out
It is believed that Apple initially wants to target the ultra-high-end market segment. Interested buyers should therefore expect very expensive devices. Apple’s first foldable is expected to come in sizes of 7.9 and 8.3 inches.
However, it could feature a self-healing display. An Apple patent for this already exists; TECHBOOK has more details on the possible functionality.