Samsung Display has reportedly received Apple’s approval to begin module production of OLED panels for the company’s first foldable iPhone, marking another major milestone ahead of the device’s expected launch.
According to a report from TheElec, Samsung Display has started operating part of its back-end production lines in Vietnam to fulfill an initial order of approximately three million OLED panels scheduled for delivery this year.
Samsung passes Apple’s production requirements
Before mass production can begin, Apple requires suppliers to meet strict quality and manufacturing standards.
The report claims Samsung Display secured approval after achieving final production yields above 80%, comfortably exceeding Apple’s reported minimum requirement of 70% for module production.
The approval allows Samsung Display to move forward with module production, the final stage before the panels are shipped to Apple for device assembly.
Samsung Display is reportedly handling production at its facility in Vietnam, which operates around 80 production lines, with approximately 50 currently in use.
Samsung could remain Apple’s sole supplier
Samsung Display is believed to be Apple’s exclusive supplier of foldable OLED panels under a reported three-year agreement.
If accurate, Apple would not source foldable iPhone displays from any other manufacturer during that period.
The report also states that the panels will use Color Filter on Encapsulation (CoE) technology. This approach removes the traditional polarizer layer and places a color filter directly on top of the encapsulation layer, helping improve display efficiency while reducing thickness.
Samsung is also expected to use its latest M16 OLED material set, which reportedly delivers improvements in brightness, color accuracy, lifespan, and power efficiency.
What to expect from Apple’s foldable iPhone
Current rumors suggest Apple’s first foldable iPhone will feature a 7.8-inch inner display paired with a 5.5-inch outer display.
Other rumored specifications include:
- Touch ID authentication
- Apple’s A20 chip
- Apple’s C2 modem
- A book-style folding design
Pricing is expected to start at around $2,000, positioning the device at the premium end of Apple’s lineup.
While Apple has yet to officially announce a foldable iPhone, Samsung’s reported production approval is another sign that the long-rumored device is moving closer to reality.
If the reports are accurate, Apple’s first foldable iPhone could become one of the company’s most significant hardware launches in years.
Would you consider buying Apple’s first foldable iPhone at a rumored $2,000 starting price? Let us know in the comments below.
