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Samsung Display has reportedly confirmed plans to mass-produce foldable OLED panels for a major North American customer, a move that could accelerate the arrival of a rumored foldable iPhone. While the supplier didn't name the client, industry observers widely expect it to be Apple.
Official confirmation and what was said
Lee Cheong, president of Samsung Display, is said to have announced that the company will begin mass production of flexible OLED panels destined for foldable smartphones. The statement stopped short of identifying the buyer, but the description and timing match long-standing rumors that point to a U.S.-based tech giant — most likely Apple.
Rumored iPhone Fold specs and expected launch
Leaks and analyst reports suggest the so-called iPhone Fold would pair a roughly 5.5-inch external cover display with a 7.8-inch inner folding screen. One notable detail circulating in reports is the inclusion of a side-mounted Touch ID sensor rather than Face ID, a choice that could reflect engineering trade-offs for the folding design.
Current expectations place the foldable iPhone's debut alongside the iPhone 18 family in September 2026, though Apple timelines often shift. Price estimates point to a premium positioned above $2,000, underscoring how Apple might target early adopters rather than the mass market at launch.
Why this matters for the foldable market
If Samsung Display is indeed supplying panels for Apple, it would mark a major endorsement of foldable technology and could drive faster innovation across the supply chain. Samsung is already a leader in flexible OLEDs, and an Apple entry would likely push competitors to accelerate their own foldable roadmaps.
Conclusion
The confirmation that Samsung will mass-produce foldable OLED panels for a North American client boosts the credibility of long-running rumors about an Apple foldable device. While details and launch timing remain tentative, this development signals growing momentum for premium foldables in the coming years.
Source: gsmarena
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