The Blubber

Apple is reportedly in the final stages of selecting component suppliers for its upcoming foldable iPhone, with the process expected to conclude by April, according to Korean news outlet ETNews. This timeline suggests Apple is edging closer to mass production, with large-scale manufacturing of key components likely to begin in the latter half of the year.

A Crease-Free Foldable iPhone

One of the biggest hurdles in foldable phone technology has been the visible crease on the display. Apple appears determined to eliminate this issue entirely.

"Apple has decided to remove the crease at all costs, regardless of expense, to distinguish its foldable phone from existing models," an industry insider told ETNews. "A new material property is believed to have been developed to make the crease disappear."

Rival manufacturers like Samsung and Huawei have struggled to make foldable display creases invisible, meaning Apple's solution could give it a significant competitive edge.

Samsung to Supply OLED Panels

Samsung Display is expected to be the exclusive provider of OLED screens for Apple's foldable device. The company has been working on these panels specifically for Apple since last year, leveraging its experience as the first manufacturer to mass-produce foldable OLED displays.

The foldable iPhone is anticipated to feature an in-folding design, resembling a book. U.S.-based Corning is likely to supply the ultra-thin glass (UTG) that will cover the display, while Amphenol—a company that has previously provided hinges for MacBook Pro models—is the frontrunner to produce the hinge mechanism.

Expected Launch Timeline

Based on Apple's product development cycle, ETNews reports that the foldable iPhone is expected to launch in the second half of 2026. Over the weekend, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman confirmed that Apple is “focused on finishing up development of its first foldable device for 2026.” Analysts such as Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu, as well as reports from The Information and The Wall Street Journal, have all suggested a late 2026 or early 2027 release.

Display Details & Unique Aspect Ratios

According to a recent leak from Digital Chat Station, the device may feature a 5.49-inch outer display and a 7.74-inch inner screen when unfolded. Both are rumored to have “unprecedented aspect ratios.” The outer screen is reportedly shorter and wider than Oppo’s Find N5, which debuted globally last week.