The tech world is buzzing with excitement as Apple is finally preparing to make its long-awaited entrance into the foldable smartphone market. Set for a launch in the second half of 2026, Apple’s first-ever foldable iPhone is already generating significant anticipation among fans and industry insiders alike. With Samsung Display on board as the exclusive supplier of advanced OLED panels, this groundbreaking device is expected to set new standards for innovation, design, and performance.
A New Era for Apple: Foldable iPhone Incoming
Apple has always been a pioneer in the tech industry, redefining smartphones, tablets, and laptops with its sleek design and user-focused features. Now, the Cupertino-based giant is ready to take on a new frontier—foldable phones.
According to a detailed report by BusinessKorea, Apple has partnered with Samsung Display to power the foldable iPhone with state-of-the-art OLED panels. What makes this collaboration particularly exciting is Samsung’s latest breakthrough in reducing the screen crease—a common issue faced by current foldable phones. This move signifies Apple’s commitment to quality and its determination to deliver a flawless user experience.
Display Details: Two Screens, One Seamless Experience
Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected to feature a dual-screen setup:
- A 5.5-inch cover display for standard use
- A larger 7.8-inch inner screen that unfolds to deliver a mini-tablet experience
The inner screen will support an almost 4:3 aspect ratio, similar to iPads, making it more convenient for multitasking and providing a familiar user experience for existing Apple users. This design also aims to ease the transition for app developers, ensuring software compatibility right from the start.
Production Timeline and Rollout Expectations
Production of the specialized OLED panels by Samsung Display is anticipated to begin in late 2025 or early 2026. This timeline aligns with Apple’s potential release of the device in the latter half of 2026.
Insiders suggest Apple could produce up to 15 million units of the foldable iPhone—an impressive increase from the previous estimate of 9 million. This bold move reflects Apple’s confidence in the growing demand for premium foldable smartphones.
Pricing: A Luxury Tech Investment
As expected with any first-generation Apple product, the foldable iPhone won’t come cheap. Barclays analysts estimate the price to be around $2,300, putting it in the luxury bracket of smartphones. This pricing also matches previous predictions of a launch price between $2,000 and $2,500.
While the cost may be steep, Apple users have a track record of valuing innovation and design over budget-friendliness. The high price tag might just reflect the premium build, refined engineering, and top-tier technology that Apple fans have come to expect.
Competition in the Foldable Arena
Apple won’t be stepping into an empty arena. Brands like Samsung, Oppo, OnePlus, Huawei, Vivo, and Honor have already released multiple generations of foldable devices. However, Apple’s entry is likely to disrupt the status quo. With a powerful brand reputation, seamless software ecosystem, and unique design approach, Apple is poised to make a serious impact—even as a late entrant.
Why This Foldable Could Be a Game-Changer
What makes Apple’s foldable iPhone stand out is not just the hardware—it’s the ecosystem. iOS integration, App Store compatibility, and iCloud syncing across devices will allow users to switch between iPhone, iPad, and Mac without missing a beat. That seamless transition could give Apple a crucial advantage in the foldable market.
Moreover, the new aspect ratio and crease-reduced display may address some of the most pressing user complaints about foldables. If Apple gets this right, the first foldable iPhone could redefine what we expect from smartphones in the coming decade.