Apple Foldable iPhone Launch Expected in 2026: Crease-Free Display Powered by Samsung Technology
Apple is preparing to enter the foldable phone market with its first foldable iPhone, expected to launch in 2026. According to a new report by respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will adopt Samsung Display’s “crease-free display solution” instead of developing its design. This major decision highlights Apple’s focus on durability and premium quality as it enters the competitive foldable smartphone space.
Apple Foldable iPhone: What We Know So Far
- Launch Date: Expected Q1 2026
- Display Technology: Samsung Display’s crease-free folding screen
- Target Shipments: 13–15 million units in the first year
- Key Supplier: Fine M-Tec for internal hinge components
- Expected Models in 2026: iPhone 18 Slim, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Foldable
Why Samsung Display?
Apple’s foldable iPhone has reportedly been in development for over a decade, starting with its first flexible display patents in 2014. However, rather than launching a homegrown, crease-free design, Apple is opting to work with Samsung Display. This decision is based on Samsung’s years of experience perfecting foldable display technology.
Samsung Display’s design includes advanced crease resistance, made possible through techniques such as laser drilling, which helps distribute stress more evenly across the display. This minimises visible creasing—a major issue that plagued earlier foldable devices, including Samsung’s own Galaxy Fold in 2019.
Fine M-Tec: Apple’s Hinge Supplier for Foldable iPhone
Fine M-Tec, a South Korean company that supplies metal plates and internal hinges for foldable displays, is set to be a key beneficiary of Apple’s foldable iPhone production. The company is expanding its production capacity in Vietnam to meet Apple’s demand.
Apple and Samsung: From Rivals to Strategic Partners
While Apple and Samsung have long been fierce competitors, highlighted by Apple’s $1.05 billion court victory in 2011, this isn’t the first time Apple has relied on Samsung’s technology:
- Samsung Display was the exclusive supplier of OLED panels for the iPhone X in 2017.
- Apple frequently sources memory and storage chips from Samsung subsidiaries.
This foldable iPhone partnership further illustrates how business realities often override competitive rivalries in the tech world.
iPhone Roadmap: What’s Next for Apple
According to Ming-Chi Kuo, here’s Apple’s predicted iPhone release timeline from 2025–2027:
- 2025 iPhone Models:
- iPhone 17
- iPhone 17 Slim
- iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
- iPhone 17e (Cheaper Variant Early 2026)
- 2026 iPhone Models:
- iPhone 18 Slim
- iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone Foldable
Apple is expected to split its iPhone launches moving forward, releasing premium models first and standard models later, creating a staggered launch cycle.
Why Apple’s Foldable iPhone Matters
Foldable smartphones combine the portability of a standard phone with the functionality of a tablet-sized display. The key challenge is designing a reliable hinge and crease-resistant display—both areas where Apple’s partnership with Samsung and Fine M-Tec comes into play.
- Enhanced User Experience: Foldable iPhones will allow users to switch between a compact phone and a larger screen for productivity, gaming, and media consumption.
- Durability Focus: Apple is applying stricter crease-free display requirements, ensuring its foldable device offers premium quality in line with its other products.
- High Market Expectations: Kuo predicts strong initial shipments, signalling significant consumer interest in Apple’s entry into the foldable phone category.
Final Thoughts: Will Apple’s Foldable iPhone Be Worth the Wait?
Given Apple’s track record for entering new product categories late, but with refined, market-leading products, expectations are high for the foldable iPhone. With Samsung Display’s advanced technology and Apple’s emphasis on build quality and user experience, the iPhone Foldable could set a new standard for foldable smartphones.
