There has been no shortage of speculation around Apple’s plans for a foldable iPhone, with rumours intensifying over the past few months. Industry watchers have long suggested that Apple is preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market around 2026, potentially launching its first folding handset alongside the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Pro. A fresh report, however, indicates that Apple’s ambitions for this device may be larger than previously assumed, both in terms of confidence and production volume.
A now-deleted report from ET News, later highlighted by MacRumors, claims Apple has placed a substantial order for OLED panels with Samsung Display. If accurate, the figures suggest Apple could be preparing to manufacture significantly more foldable iPhones than earlier predictions implied, hinting at a more assertive market entry.
A surprisingly large display order
According to the ET News report, Apple has reportedly ordered a total of 22 million OLED panels from Samsung Display for its first foldable iPhone. The order is said to be split evenly between 11 million inward-folding displays and 11 million external cover displays. Samsung Display is expected to act as the exclusive supplier, reinforcing the long-standing relationship between the two companies in high-end display technology.
These figures suggest Apple may be planning to produce around 10 million finished foldable iPhones. That number is notable because it exceeds previous industry expectations by roughly 30 per cent. Earlier forecasts had suggested Apple would take a more cautious approach, producing smaller volumes to test consumer demand in a still-niche segment of the smartphone market.
If the report proves accurate, it would signal a strong level of confidence from Apple. Foldable phones remain expensive to produce and occupy a relatively small share of global smartphone sales. Ordering components at this scale implies Apple believes it can generate meaningful demand, potentially reshaping the market in much the same way it did with larger smartphones and wireless earbuds.
What the foldable iPhone could look like
The same report reiterates several design rumours that have circulated previously. Apple’s first foldable iPhone is said to adopt a book-style design, similar to devices like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold range. This would involve an inward-folding main display that opens to provide a tablet-like experience, while a secondary external display handles everyday tasks when the device is closed.
The external screen is rumoured to measure around 5.35 inches, while the internal folding display could expand to approximately 7.58 inches. This would place the device firmly in the large foldable category, aimed at productivity, media consumption and multitasking rather than compact portability.
Apple is also said to be investing heavily in hinge technology and specialised materials designed to minimise the visible crease that typically forms along the folding point of flexible displays. Reducing or eliminating this crease has become a key battleground in the foldable market, and Apple is unlikely to release a product until it meets its strict design and durability standards.
Display technology and under-display ambitions
One of the more technically intriguing rumours relates to Apple’s potential use of Color Filter on Encapsulation, or COE, technology. COE is designed to make OLED panels thinner and brighter by removing the traditional polarising layer and integrating colour filters directly into the encapsulation layer of the display.
If Apple adopts COE, it could help offset some of the inherent thickness challenges that come with foldable designs. A thinner panel would allow for a sleeker device when folded, while improved brightness could address one of the common criticisms of foldable OLED displays.
There is also speculation that Apple may include an under-display camera for the internal screen. While this technology has already appeared in several Android foldables, image quality has often been a compromise. Apple’s involvement could push the technology further, although it remains unclear whether the company would accept the current trade-offs or delay the feature until quality improves.
A cautious industry, but growing confidence
Despite the scale of the reported display order, it is important to note that Apple has not officially confirmed the existence of a foldable iPhone. Supply chain orders can change, and plans may evolve as development progresses. That said, the numbers being discussed suggest Apple may believe the market is finally ready for a more mainstream foldable device.
Foldable smartphones have improved significantly in recent years, with better durability, longer lifespans and more refined software experiences. Prices remain high, but broader adoption could help drive costs down over time. Apple’s entry would likely accelerate that process, encouraging developers to optimise apps for foldable form factors and pushing competitors to innovate further.
If Apple does move ahead with production of around 10 million units, it would mark one of the boldest launches in the foldable category to date. Whether consumers are ready to embrace a folding iPhone in those numbers remains to be seen, but the rumours suggest Apple is preparing to make a serious statement when it finally enters the foldable phone arena.
Keen tech writer outside of my day job in I.T. and spending time with my family.
