Samsung Display has reportedly started production preparations for OLED panels destined for Apple’s first foldable iPhone, a device widely expected to arrive in September 2026. The development follows reports that Samsung achieved manufacturing yields above 80%, clearing a key hurdle for large-scale production.
The foldable iPhone, often referred to in reports as the iPhone Ultra, is said to use advanced OLED technology supplied exclusively by Samsung Display. Apple has reportedly requested an initial production volume of 3 million panels this year, highlighting the scale of its first entry into the foldable smartphone segment.
According to industry reports, Samsung Display has received approval to move forward with panel production after meeting Apple’s quality and yield requirements. Manufacturing operations have reportedly begun at Samsung Display’s facility in Vietnam, where final assembly and related production processes are being handled.
The company is expected to supply both the external cover display and the foldable inner display. Reports also suggest Samsung could remain Apple’s sole supplier for these specialized OLED panels during the initial years of production.
Recent reports indicate Apple may use Samsung Display’s latest M16 OLED material set rather than the previously rumored M14 technology. The newer display stack is said to offer improved brightness, enhanced color accuracy, better power efficiency, and a longer operational lifespan.
The panels are also expected to feature Color Filter on Encapsulation technology, a solution designed to improve display performance while helping reduce thickness. Apple is reportedly prioritizing durability, minimal crease visibility, and consistent image quality for its first foldable device.
Apple’s foldable iPhone would enter a market currently led by book-style foldables from Samsung and other Android manufacturers. Devices such as Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold series are expected to be among its closest competitors.
