Samsung and reports of foldable displays for US customers [U]

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Samsung has officially confirmed that its display division will produce foldable smartphone displays for a major American customer. There's near-unanimous consensus in the industry that this is Apple. This adds to the evidence that a foldable iPhone could soon be launched.

Samsung is considered one of the leading manufacturers of OLED displays and was an early adopter of the foldable smartphone market with its own devices, such as the Galaxy Z series. Now, Samsung apparently wants to make the technology available to one of its biggest competitors. It's no coincidence that Apple is mentioned in this context, as rumors of an iPhone with a foldable screen have been circulating for years. With the confirmation from South Korea, a market launch is now more within reach.

Samsung accelerates production of foldable OLED displays

Lee Cheong, President of Samsung Display, announced in Seoul that preparations for mass production of foldable OLED smartphone displays are in full swing. These displays will be delivered to a North American customer. Although Cheong declined to name the company, market observers believe it is Apple. Samsung's confirmation comes at a time when expectations for Apple's first foldable iPhone are more concrete than ever. Industry sources report that the market launch is planned for 2026. The new model will be unveiled alongside the iPhone 18 series.

Planned features of the foldable iPhone

The information known so far about Apple's first foldable device points to a premium device that will be equipped with some technical features:

an inward-folding OLED display that is virtually crease-free
Touch ID instead of Face ID
the new A20 chip as a processor
two cameras on the back

This would allow Apple to venture into a device class that has so far been dominated primarily by Samsung itself. While Samsung has had its own foldables on the market for years, an iPhone with a flexible display is seen as a potential turning point that could finally anchor the technology in the mainstream.

Significance for Samsung and Apple

For Samsung, the decision has several advantages. The company not only strengthens its role as a leading display provider, but also underlines its technological lead in foldable panels. With Apple as a partner, the reach of this technology increases enormously. Apple, in turn, could take one of its biggest innovative steps in years with a foldable iPhone. So far, the company has conservatively stuck to classic iPhone designs. Entering the foldable market would not only expand its product range but also demonstrate that flexible displays are finally ready for mass production.

iPhone Fold 2026: Thinner than the iPhone Air and foldable

Foldables reach the next level with Samsung and Apple

Samsung's confirmation sends a clear message: The market for foldable smartphones is evolving and will soon reach a new level. If Apple does indeed present the first iPhone with a flexible display in 2026, Samsung will be significantly involved as a display supplier. This demonstrates that Samsung is not only setting standards with its own devices, but is also playing a key role in shaping the future of smartphone technology behind the scenes. (Image: Shutterstock / AlexandrBognat)

Update from October 10, 2025

Samsung Display has clarified to apfelpatient.de that the recently circulating reports about an alleged display order from an "American company" are based on a misunderstanding. According to the press office, a misinterpretation occurred during a question-and-answer session: CEO Yi Chung did not answer the relevant question, but merely pointed out that customer information is generally not shared. The South Korean business magazine ChosunBiz has since removed the passage from its article .