Foldable iPhone Reportedly Coming in 2026 as Samsung Display Solves Crease Problem
Cupertino, CA โ After years of speculation and delay, Apple appears ready to enter the foldable smartphone market. According to a new report from Business Korea, Samsung Display has successfully addressed the long-standing crease issue in foldable OLED panels โ clearing the path for Appleโs first foldable iPhone, now reportedly slated for launch in the second half of 2026.
Why the Delay? Crease Was the Key Issue
Apple, known for its meticulous design standards, has delayed its foldable iPhone project multiple times due to dissatisfaction with the visible crease that forms along the folding axis of current foldable displays. Insiders say the Apple leadership team refused to greenlight a product that didnโt meet their quality benchmarks โ even as rivals like Samsung, Huawei, and Google pushed ahead.
Samsung Display Wins Exclusive Supply Deal
The recent breakthrough by Samsung Display, which reportedly solved the crease issue to Appleโs satisfaction, has earned the South Korean giant exclusive rights to supply displays for Appleโs foldable iPhone โ a rare move, given Apple typically sources screens from a mix of Samsung, LG, and BOE. The win comes at a critical time for Samsung Display, whose dominance in the high-end display market has been under pressure.
Foldable iPhone Specs (Rumored)
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Form Factor: Book-style foldable (like Galaxy Z Fold series)
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Cover Display: 5.5-inch OLED
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Main Display: 7.8-inch OLED
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Expected Price: $2,000+ (could be higher due to tariffs)
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Production Target: 9โ15 million units annually
If these specs hold, Appleโs foldable would land in the same segment as Samsungโs upcoming Galaxy Z Fold8, putting the two tech giants in direct competition in the ultra-premium foldables market.
What This Means for the Market
Appleโs entry into the foldable space is expected to reignite interest and demand for foldable devices globally. While Apple is late to the party, its ability to refine and elevate new form factors may push foldables into the mainstream โ much like it did with tablets and smartwatches.
Market watchers and consumers alike will now be keeping a close eye on iOS adaptation for foldables, app optimization, and whether Apple introduces new features that justify the high price tag.
