Samsung to supply Apple with OLED panels for foldable iPhone, report claims

Samsung Display will reportedly supply Apple with OLED panels for its upcoming foldable iPhone under an exclusive deal, making Samsung the sole supplier for Apple’s first foldable device.

According to industry sources cited by ETNews, Samsung is setting up a dedicated production line for Apple’s foldable panels at its A3 factory in Asan, South Korea. The facility is in the final stages of preparation and will be capable of producing approximately 15 million 7-inch foldable OLED panels per year.

Apple’s first foldable iPhone is expected to launch as early as next year. The device, which is rumored to be called the ‘iPhone Fold,’ will reportedly feature a 5.5-inch display when folded and a larger 7.8-inch display when opened.

To address the crease issue that has affected other foldable smartphones, Apple is reportedly planning to use liquid metal for the iPhone’s hinge. This material is expected to improve the device’s durability and potentially eliminate the visible crease that appears in other foldable screens.

In terms of camera setup, the foldable iPhone is said to feature an under-display camera on the interior, along with a hole-punch camera on the exterior when folded. The under-display camera, however, is not expected to support Face ID.