Apple reportedly planning 2026 launch for foldable iPhone, orders Samsung displays

Apple is reportedly making significant strides toward the launch of its inaugural foldable iPhone, as production schedules and display partnerships start to take shape. According to insights from well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the tech company is targeting a late 2026 debut, having already secured display orders from Samsung. This information has emerged from discussions with Apple’s assembly partner, Foxconn, which is gearing up to kick off the project as early as the third quarter of 2025. Mass production is projected to commence in the latter half of 2026, aligning with earlier speculations regarding Apple’s exploration of foldable technology, despite no definitive launch timeline being established until now. While the development of several components is still ongoing, including an innovative “liquidmetal hinge,” the specifications for the display seem to have been finalized. Reports indicate that Apple has placed orders for between 7 and 8 million foldable panels from Samsung Display, suggesting that Samsung will serve as the main supplier for this upcoming device—a strategic decision given Samsung's leading position in the foldable OLED market. The anticipated production volume for the foldable iPhone is estimated to range between 15 and 20 million units. However, it's likely that these numbers are intended to meet long-term demand rather than a single-year launch. Kuo has pointed out that the premium pricing of the device could restrict initial sales, making it improbable for Apple to sell the entire production run in 2026 alone. As noted, "Apple has ordered 7–8 million foldable panels," while the expected production is between 15 and 20 million units. Should these estimates prove accurate, Apple’s entry into the foldable phone market will come significantly after competitors like Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola have already made their mark. Historically, Apple tends to wait until technologies are fully developed before introducing new hardware, often entering markets later but delivering more polished products.