Apple is gearing up to make a significant leap into the foldable smartphone market, and it has chosen a familiar rival and trusted partner to supply the most critical component. According to recent industry reports, the Cupertino-based tech giant will exclusively use flexible OLED panels manufactured by Samsung Display for its highly anticipated first foldable device, currently referred to in tech circles as the iPhone Fold.
As reported by the Korean specialized publication TheElec, Samsung Display is set to become the sole supplier of these advanced flexible screens for Apple for at least the next three years. This exclusive partnership underscores Apple’s strict demand for high-yield, top-tier display manufacturing—a highly specialized sector where Samsung has long maintained a dominant global position. The mass production of these custom-designed displays is scheduled to commence as early as the second quarter of the current year. Initial supply volumes are projected to be around 3 million units, a conservative yet substantial figure that suggests Apple is carefully testing consumer demand within the ultra-premium foldable segment before scaling up operations.
From a technological standpoint, the new foldable screens will incorporate cutting-edge Color-on-Encapsulation (CoE) technology. This highly innovative manufacturing process allows the essential color filter to be placed directly over the protective encapsulation layer of the OLED panel. By implementing this advanced design, Apple’s engineers can entirely eliminate the need for a traditional polarization layer. For end consumers, this translates into a display that is not only significantly thinner—an absolutely crucial structural factor in the complex design of any foldable device—but also remarkably more energy-efficient, helping to preserve battery life despite the larger screen real estate. Furthermore, the specialized displays will reportedly utilize the advanced M14 light-emitting material. This is identical to the high-performance luminescent material that is expected to be featured in the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max, ensuring vibrant color reproduction and exceptional brightness levels.
While various Android competitors have been releasing foldable phones for several years, Apple’s long-standing corporate strategy has always been to wait patiently until a new technology matures enough to meet its stringent quality and durability standards. The very first foldable smartphone from Apple is widely expected to be officially unveiled in September. It will likely launch alongside the next-generation traditional flagship models, specifically the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Industry insiders and market analysts also strongly speculate that to distinguish this premium device from the rest of its lineup and its direct competitors, Apple might ultimately market it under the exclusive “iPhone Ultra” moniker, signaling a brand new pinnacle of smartphone luxury, design, and innovation.