Samsung Display Boosts Production Capacity for Foldable iPhones
Samsung Display, a key supplier of OLED panels to Apple, is reportedly planning a significant increase in its investment to support the production of foldable iPhones. This move comes as Apple is expected to expand its foldable lineup, including the highly anticipated iPhone Fold and the yet-to-be-named iPhone Flip. According to a report from ET News, Samsung is considering ramping up its capital expenditure on foldable OLED manufacturing equipment at its A4 factory located in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, South Korea.
The investment, which could be implemented as early as the second quarter of 2026, aims to enhance the factory’s capacity for producing flexible OLED panels. This will involve adding more backplane-related equipment such as thin film transistors (TFTs), crucial components that affect display quality and flexibility. The planned expansion signals Samsung’s readiness to meet the increased demand expected from Apple’s foldable iPhone models in the near future.
Details on the Upcoming Foldable iPhones
Samsung Display has already set up a dedicated production line at its A3 factory specifically for foldable OLED panels destined for the iPhone Fold, which is anticipated to launch in the third quarter of 2026. This facility is capable of producing around 15 million 7-inch foldable OLED panels annually.
The iPhone Fold itself is expected to feature a passport-style design with a primary display measuring approximately 7.7 inches and a cover display around 5.4 inches. It will offer a high resolution of 2,713 by 1,920 pixels with a 4:3 aspect ratio. Notably, the inner display is likely to have enhanced scratch resistance, improving durability.
In terms of hardware, the iPhone Fold is rumoured to include a dedicated vapor chamber for cooling, side-mounted Touch ID instead of Face ID, and a powerful A20 Pro system-on-chip paired with 12GB of RAM. Connectivity will be handled by Apple’s in-house C2 5G modem. Photography capabilities are expected to be strong, with a dual rear camera setup featuring a 48MP sensor and an in-display front camera that could reach up to 24MP resolution. The device will house a sizeable battery estimated between 5,500 and 5,800mAh and is tipped to launch as an eSIM-only variant priced around $2,399. Initial shipment volumes are projected to be between 7 and 9 million units in its first year.
Looking Ahead to the iPhone Flip and Samsung’s Strategy
While the iPhone Fold is set to debut soon, Samsung’s expanded investment at the A4 factory is believed to be aimed at supporting production of the iPhone Flip, a clamshell-style foldable device expected to launch in 2027. Although details about the iPhone Flip remain limited, it is anticipated to arrive alongside the second generation of the iPhone Fold and will likely target a more affordable price point to attract a broader audience.
This strategic production ramp-up reflects Samsung Display’s commitment to solidifying its role as a primary supplier for Apple’s foldable devices, a segment that is gaining momentum in the smartphone market. The collaboration highlights the growing importance of flexible OLED technology and the increasing consumer interest in foldable smartphones.
What to Expect Next
As Samsung Display prepares to expand its foldable OLED manufacturing capabilities, the smartphone industry will be watching closely for Apple’s official announcements regarding its foldable iPhone lineup. The developments at Samsung’s factories underscore the likelihood of a significant push into foldable devices by Apple starting in late 2026 and continuing into 2027. Enthusiasts and industry watchers should keep an eye out for further leaks and official confirmations in the coming months.
Source: Etnews