Samsung will exclusively supply the iPhone’s foldable OLED screens for 3 years

Apple would already have secured the supply of one of the key components for its future foldable iPhoneand he will do it hand in hand with Samsung Display. According to industry sources, both companies have reached an agreement whereby Samsung will be the exclusive supplier of foldable OLED panels for Apple for the next three years. A move that reinforces Samsung’s position in this market and shows the lack of alternatives to match.

This agreement implies that Apple will not turn to other manufacturers during this period, consolidating Samsung Display as a strategic partner for this type of technology. The decision also responds to the difficulty of finding suppliers that meet Apple’s demanding standards in terms of quality, durability and performance.

Production in 2026 with an initial volume of 3 million units

Samsung Display will start mass production of foldable OLED screens for Apple during the second quarter of 2026. Initial forecasts point to about 3 million unitsa figure notably lower than the 10 million that had previously been estimated.

This more conservative approach suggests that Apple wants to gauge the market response before ramping up production. A strategy that we have already seen in other recent products, where the company has preferred to adjust the supply based on real demand.

CoE technology and proven materials to reduce risks

The folding OLED panels that Apple will use will incorporate technology CoE (Color filter on Encapsulation)which eliminates the traditional polarizer and adds a layer of color filter over the encapsulation. This technique is key in foldable devices, as it reduces the risk of cracks in bending zones.

Additionally, Apple will choose to use the same set of materials M14 present in the iPhone 17 Pro Maxinstead of introducing a new base. This decision seeks to prioritize the stability and cost controlavoiding risks in a product that is already complex.

Apple seeks price and strategy to avoid another Vision Pro case

One of the great challenges for Apple will be to find the right price for your foldable iPhone. The company wants to avoid repeating the situation of the VisionProwhose high cost limited its adoption in the market.

The objective is to offer a product that generates profits without negatively affecting sales of the range. iPhone Prosomething key within its catalog. This makes the foldable iPhone a strategic bet both technologically and commercially.

A still small market that Apple wants to promote

Currently, foldable smartphones represent less than 2% of the global marketwith about 20 million units sold last year. However, the entry of Apple could change this panorama and accelerate the adoption of this format.

Apple’s participation would not only expand the market, but would also directly benefit Samsung Displaywhich would see its position as a leader in foldable OLED panels reinforced. Everything indicates that this agreement will mark a before and after in the sector of folding mobile screens.