Apple commences iPhone production with Samsung, making the foldable iPhone a reality
Apple is set to enter the foldable phone market with the launch of its first foldable iPhone, expected to debut in late 2026. This pioneering device, rumoured to be an "Ultra" version or limited edition, will be produced by Foxconn and feature a premium price tag between $1,800 and $2,500.
The foldable iPhone is designed with a focus on power efficiency, boasting slimmer key components such as the display driver to allow for larger battery cells. It is also rumoured to use high-density battery cells, similar to those planned for the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air.
When unfolded, the device will offer a completely flat 7.8-inch screen without a visible crease, making it one of the most seamless foldable phones on the market. When folded, its thickness will be just 4.5mm, further setting it apart.
The device is expected to incorporate a complete redesign of the iOS operating system, featuring an adaptive interface that optimises functions based on whether the device is open or closed. Native multitasking applications optimised for up to three active screen sections are anticipated for the new model.
Samsung Display, a leader in display technology and Apple's direct rival, has secured an exclusive contract to supply foldable OLED screens to Apple for at least two years. The South Korean A3 plant can produce up to 15 million panels per year, far exceeding Apple's estimates of 6 to 8 million units of the new model in its first year.
Apple is betting on a design with a teardrop-shaped hinge that reduces panel tension and improves its lifespan. The frame of the foldable iPhone is expected to be made of titanium or recycled aluminium alloy to reduce weight without compromising strength.
The strategy for justifying the high price of the iPhone foldable includes unprecedented technological advancements, an optimised user experience, and the prestige of being the first of its kind in Apple's history.
Key components like the hinge are still in development for the foldable iPhone, reflecting Apple's pursuit of perfection before launching a revolutionary product. The device could debut technologies such as under-display cameras or biometric sensors distributed throughout the device.
According to IDC, foldable phones represented less than 2% of the total market in 2024, but this figure is expected to triple by 2027 if Apple launches its model successfully. The smartphone market has been lacking significant formal revolutions for years. Apple's entry into the foldable arena could be the definitive push this technology needs to become a standard.
Mass production of the foldable iPhone will commence in the second half of 2026, specifically around late September to October 2025 during Foxconn's New Product Introduction (NPI) phase. Samsung has already started production of foldable OLED screens for Apple's first foldable iPhone.
Sources: [1] MacRumors (2023). Apple's First Foldable iPhone: What We Know So Far. [online] Available at: https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/apple-foldable-iphone/
[2] The Verge (2023). Apple's first foldable iPhone could launch in late 2026, according to new reports. [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/15/23630954/apple-first-foldable-iphone-2026-launch-mass-production-foxconn-npi
[3] 9to5Mac (2023). Apple's first foldable iPhone: What we know so far. [online] Available at: https://9to5mac.com/2023/03/15/apples-first-foldable-iphone-what-we-know-so-far/
The foldable iPhone, a technological marvel from Apple, is predicted to incorporate advanced gadgets like smartphones, embodying cutting-edge technology within its design. The upcoming debut of Apple's innovative device is slated for late 2026, showcasing a vast potential for disrupting the smartphone market.
