Apple has officially entered the foldable phone market. According to credible reports, production has begun on the display panels for Apple’s first-ever foldable iPhone, signaling a major leap forward in mobile innovation. With a potential launch set for late 2026, the foldable iPhone is shaping up to be a premium, futuristic device that could redefine the smartphone experience.
- 🏭 Samsung Display Begins Mass Production for Foldable iPhone Panels
- 📱 Foldable iPhone Design and Features (What We Know So Far)
- 📆 Release Date: When Will the Foldable iPhone Be Available?
- 💵 Pricing: How Much Will the Foldable iPhone Cost?
- 🔍 Why Apple Waited: A Strategy of Perfection Over Speed
- 🌍 Foldable iPhone vs. the Competition
- 🔮 What This Means for the Future of iPhones
- ✍️ Final Thoughts
🏭 Samsung Display Begins Mass Production for Foldable iPhone Panels
Apple has partnered with Samsung Display to manufacture the cutting-edge 7-inch foldable OLED panels for its upcoming device. Production is now underway at Samsung’s A3 facility in Asan, South Korea—a plant known for its advanced OLED fabrication technology.
- Annual production capacity: Up to 15 million foldable OLED panels
- Apple’s estimated unit target: Around 6–8 million units for the initial 2026 release
Samsung has reportedly dedicated an entire production line exclusively to Apple, which suggests that this device is not a one-off experiment—it’s the start of a whole new iPhone category.
📱 Foldable iPhone Design and Features (What We Know So Far)
🔄 Display
- Main screen: 7-inch OLED panel with an inward-folding design
- Cover screen: A secondary 5.5-inch outer display for quick access to apps and notifications
- Aspect ratio: Likely 4:3, providing a tablet-like experience when unfolded
- Innovation: Early reports suggest a crease-free display, a major improvement over existing foldable phones
🔩 Hardware and Specs
- Thickness: ~4.5mm when unfolded, up to 9.5mm when folded
- Chipset: Likely to feature the powerful A20 chip or newer
- Biometrics: Touch ID is expected to return, embedded in the power button or under the display
- Camera system: Dual rear cameras, with a possible under-display front-facing camera
- Build quality: Apple is rumored to be testing strong hinge durability and reinforced glass to avoid long-term wear and tear
📆 Release Date: When Will the Foldable iPhone Be Available?
According to multiple reports, Apple is currently in the prototype and testing phase. Full-scale assembly is expected to begin with Foxconn in late Q3 or early Q4 of 2025, setting the stage for an official launch in Fall 2026, likely alongside the iPhone 18 series.
💵 Pricing: How Much Will the Foldable iPhone Cost?
The foldable iPhone won’t come cheap. Analysts predict pricing in the range of $2,000 to $2,500, placing it squarely in the ultra-premium category. This aligns with the pricing of high-end foldable devices from Samsung, Huawei, and Google.
🔍 Why Apple Waited: A Strategy of Perfection Over Speed
While competitors like Samsung and Huawei have already launched several foldable phones, Apple has taken a more cautious, methodical approach. Rather than rush to market, Apple is aiming to deliver a refined, crease-free, ultra-durable foldable that lives up to the iPhone’s reputation.
This approach mirrors how Apple entered the smartwatch and tablet markets—not first, but best-in-class.
🌍 Foldable iPhone vs. the Competition
| Feature | Apple Foldable iPhone (Expected) | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | Google Pixel Fold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Display | 7″ inward-folding OLED | 7.6″ AMOLED | 7.6″ OLED |
| Cover Display | 5.5″ OLED | 6.2″ AMOLED | 5.8″ OLED |
| Visible Crease | No (Apple is aiming for none) | Yes | Yes |
| Chip | A20 or newer | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Tensor G2 |
| Price (Estimated) | $2,000–$2,500 | $1,799 | $1,799 |
| Launch Year | 2026 | 2023 | 2023 |
🔮 What This Means for the Future of iPhones
The foldable iPhone could usher in a new era of hybrid productivity, bridging the gap between smartphones and tablets. With features like multitasking, app continuity between screens, and optimized iOS functionality, this device may appeal to power users, creatives, and professionals who want iPad power in an iPhone form factor.
Rumors also suggest that this device may be the beginning of a foldable product line, potentially followed by a foldable iPad or even foldable MacBook concepts down the line.
✍️ Final Thoughts
Apple’s entry into the foldable market has been years in the making—and with production now underway, the wait is finally paying off. If the company delivers on the promise of a crease-free, ultra-slim, power-packed foldable iPhone, 2026 could mark one of the biggest design evolutions in Apple’s history.
Whether you’re a die-hard Apple fan or a foldable tech enthusiast, the foldable iPhone is one device worth watching.
