Apple's long-anticipated entry into the foldable smartphone market is finally taking shape, with a new report indicating the first foldable iPhone will launch in the second half of 2026.

According to BusinessKorea, Apple has selected Samsung Display as its exclusive supplier of OLED panels for the device after the South Korean manufacturer successfully reduced the visibility of the screen crease – a common complaint among foldable phone users.

The report details that Apple's first foldable will feature a 5.5-inch cover display paired with a larger 7.8-inch inner screen when unfolded. Samsung Display is expected to begin production of these specialized OLED panels by late 2025 or early 2026, positioning Apple for a product release in the latter half of next year.

Industry analysts suggest Apple could produce up to 15 million units of its foldable iPhone – approximately 6 million more than previous production estimates indicated. This significant volume signals Apple's confidence in consumer demand for its take on foldable technology.

The device will enter a competitive landscape dominated by established players including Samsung, Oppo, OnePlus, Huawei, Vivo, and Honor, all of whom have released multiple generations of foldable smartphones already.

A distinctive feature of Apple's approach may be its display aspect ratio. Recent reports indicate the foldable iPhone will adopt an “almost” 4:3 aspect ratio similar to iPad models, potentially easing software compatibility challenges for this first-generation device.

As expected for a premium Apple product introducing new technology, the price point will likely exceed current flagship offerings. Barclays analysts project the foldable iPhone could cost around $2,300 in the United States, aligning with earlier predictions of a price range between $2,000 and $2,500.

While Apple remains characteristically silent about unannounced products, this latest report adds credibility to the growing evidence that the tech giant is finally preparing to challenge competitors in this expanding segment of the smartphone market.