Apple is reportedly making significant progress on its long-rumored foldable iPhone. A recent report highlights a major breakthrough by the tech giant in effectively eliminating the screen crease that has been a persistent issue in current foldable devices.
According to a report from Korean publication ETNews, Apple is in the process of finalizing its component suppliers for the foldable iPhone. The selection process is expected to conclude by April, indicating that Apple is moving closer to production. Large-scale component manufacturing is likely to commence in the second half of this year.
An industry insider revealed to ETNews that Apple is committed to removing the crease at all costs, regardless of price, to distinguish its foldable phone from existing models. It is believed that a new material property has been developed to make the crease disappear, addressing one of the biggest challenges in foldable technology.
The display crease has been a notable challenge for manufacturers like Samsung, Huawei, and others, who have all attempted to make it invisible without success. Apple's apparent solution could provide the company with a significant competitive advantage in the market.
Samsung Display is reportedly set to be the exclusive supplier of the OLED panels for Apple's foldable device. The Korean company has been developing the display specifically for Apple since last year, leveraging its experience as the first manufacturer to mass-produce foldable OLED screens.
The foldable iPhone is expected to feature an in-folding design similar to a book. US-based Corning is likely to provide the ultra-thin glass (UTG) covering the display. Meanwhile, US-based Amphenol, known for supplying hinges for MacBook Pro models, is the frontrunner to provide the crucial hinge mechanism.
Based on Apple's typical product development timeline, ETNews reports that the foldable iPhone is expected to launch in the second half of 2026. Over the weekend, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple is focused on completing the development of its first foldable device for 2026. Previous reports from analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu, as well as publications like The Information and The Wall Street Journal, have all suggested a late 2026 or early 2027 release.
