We've heard rumors about Samsung Display striving to make Apple its next big foldable display client, but nothing had been set in stone, as Apple was on the fence about developing foldable devices. But Apple's stance may have changed, and a new report now claims that the two companies have finally put pen to paper and signed a contract.
The details of this alleged contract (via DigiTimes Asia) are unknown. However, the source, citing supply chain sources, says Apple has struck an agreement with Samsung Display “for the development of foldable devices.”
In other words, it looks like Samsung Display will indeed be Apple's foldable display supplier, but it's unclear which foldable device the two companies might be working on. Judging by other rumors, Apple's first foldable device could be a foldable iPhone or a large tablet.
Samsung Display is ready
Industry reports from December said Samsung Display was already restructuring to prepare its manufacturing lines to meet Apple's demands, just in case the Cupertino giant decided to jump on the foldable display bandwagon.
Samsung Display has been developing and improving foldable displays for many years, and it is extremely important for the company that its R&D efforts will pay off. Although Samsung's mobile business is shipping more and more foldable devices every year, the display division wants more clients to increase foldable display sales. Apple is the big one.
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Rumors say that Apple's first foldable iPhone might enter mass production in 2026 and go on sale later the same year. There are also reports that the company might be working on a 20.3-inch foldable iPad or MacBook, which would go into mass production in 2025 and hit the market in 2026 or 2027.
Whatever Apple is planning, Samsung Display will be a big part of it thanks to this newly signed deal, assuming the reports are correct. Apple will likely breathe new life into the foldable segment, and Samsung may finally get some serious competition.
