Apple Taps Samsung Display as Exclusive Supplier for Foldable iPhone OLED Panels

Apple appears to be taking a big step forward in its journey toward launching a foldable iPhone. According to a new report from Business Korea, the tech giant has selected Samsung Display as the exclusive supplier of OLED panels for its first foldable smartphone. The highly anticipated device could debut as soon as late 2025.

This move marks a major win for Samsung Display and a notable shift for Apple, which typically works with multiple suppliers to manage costs and ensure consistent quality. But when it comes to foldable OLED panels, Samsung’s technology for minimizing screen creases gave it the edge over competitors like LG Display and BOE.

A Foldable iPhone With Tablet-Sized Ambitions

Details from the report suggest Apple’s foldable device will be substantial in size. The internal display is expected to measure around 7.8 inches, putting it in the same range as an iPad mini, while the external screen will measure around 5.5 inches. That size combination would place it squarely in competition with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold lineup, which has led the foldable phone category since its inception.

As for pricing, early speculation puts the foldable iPhone at around $2,000, which would align with other premium foldables currently on the market.

Why Samsung and Why Now?

Apple’s decision to go with a single supplier may seem unusual, but it reflects the company’s focus on quality over cost. As one insider put it, “For Apple, which prioritizes quality over price when selecting component suppliers, Samsung was the only viable choice.”

Samsung Display has been refining its foldable OLED technology for years, launching the first Galaxy Fold in 2019 and continuing to innovate with each new generation. Their experience and existing infrastructure make them uniquely suited to meet Apple’s high standards.

Samsung Display is reportedly preparing to begin mass production of the panels by late 2024 or early 2025, which would align with a late 2025 launch for the product.

Big Numbers, Big Impact

While Apple hasn’t confirmed its production targets, sources say demand for the foldable iPhone could be significant. Early estimates suggest Apple may surpass 9 million units annually, with some insiders predicting sales could exceed 15 million units in the first year. If true, that kind of demand would significantly shake up the foldable OLED market, which grew only 2.9% last year, according to Counterpoint Research.

The deal could also help Samsung Display recover lost ground. The company’s market share in the foldable OLED space dropped to around 40% last year, but Apple’s business could help it reclaim as much as 70% of the market in 2025.

What's Next?

Apple's rumored foldable iPhone is still under wraps, but with production planning already in motion and an exclusive deal with Samsung Display in place, the project is clearly gaining momentum. If everything stays on track, we could be seeing the next major evolution of the iPhone lineup take shape before the end of next year. And with a tablet-sized screen, cutting-edge display tech, and premium pricing, Apple is aiming squarely at the high-end foldable market.