Foldable iPhone Said to Feature Crease-Free Display From Samsung

As seen last week at the Samsung Fold 7 launch, Samsung Display continues to push innovation in foldable displays. Now, the display manufacturing company is approaching a major milestone: supplying crease-free displays for Apple’s first foldable iPhone, expected to arrive in 2026.

For those unfamiliar, Samsung Display (SDC) is a separate entity from Samsung Electronics and has been supplying screens to other smartphone brands for many years. According to The Korea JoongAng Daily, the display manufacturer will begin mass production of the foldable panels later this year, aligning with Apple’s anticipated launch timeline for its foldable iPhone.

Apple Puts Its Trust in Samsung Display

Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that although Apple made significant progress in developing its own foldable screen, the decision to use SDC’s display instead indicates a deep level of trust in Samsung Display.

The reason: Apple wants to ensure stable mass production of the foldable iPhone in 2026.

Foldable Phone Market Still Maturing

Currently, foldables account for less than 5% of global smartphone sales, but brands like Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola are aggressively advancing the form factor. Apple’s entry into the space—even if late—could redefine the segment, just as it did with smartwatches and tablets.

Still, not everyone is convinced. Dan Ives, head of tech research at Wedbush Securities, warns:

It’s a risky bet given the tepid success of foldable phones in the consumer smartphone market. Samsung is trying to gain share, and it puts some pressure on Apple to go down this path

Apple declined to comment on the development.

Longstanding Apple–Samsung Display Partnership

Mike Wuerthele, managing editor at AppleInsider, believes the partnership makes perfect sense:

Apple has worked with Samsung on iPhone displays for years. Samsung is very good at what they do. And given how the supply chain functions—and how leaks happen—this may have always been the plan

Apple’s Patience Could Pay Off

With competitors finding moderate success in the foldable market, Apple is taking its time to ensure it gets things right. And since Samsung Display is already a pioneer in foldable screen manufacturing, Apple may be betting on the right partner.