Samsung May Have Confirmed Apple’s Foldable iPhone Release

For years, rumors about a foldable iPhone have floated around the tech world, fueling both excitement and skepticism. Now, in a surprising twist, it appears Samsung itself may have inadvertently confirmed Apple’s long-awaited entry into the foldable market. The revelation came from Samsung Display President Lee Cheong, who recently told reporters that the company is producing OLED panels for a North American client. Given the scale and secrecy required, that client is almost certainly Apple – and the product in question is none other than the foldable iPhone.

According to multiple reports and industry insiders, Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected to debut in 2026, lining up alongside the iPhone 18 series.

Unlike Samsung, which has long marketed its foldables (like the Galaxy Z Fold line) as separate product categories, Apple reportedly plans to position its foldable model as the very top of the iPhone lineup – above even the iPhone 18 Pro Max. This move signals that Apple doesn’t want its foldable to be seen as an experiment, but as the premium flagship iPhone for the future.

Interestingly, Samsung will beat Apple to the punch once again. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is expected to launch months before Apple’s foldable, following in the footsteps of the Galaxy S26 series. Yet, early leaks suggest Apple’s first attempt may not match the technical polish of Samsung’s current models. Insiders hint that the foldable iPhone could trail behind even the Galaxy Z Fold 7 when it comes to specifications and durability – a phone many reviewers have already called the best foldable device of its generation.

This disparity isn’t shocking, however. Apple has historically taken a slower, perfectionist approach to new categories, aiming to enter only once the technology is refined enough to deliver its hallmark seamless experience. The delay in launching a foldable has been partly due to Apple’s ambition of creating a screen with no visible crease – something no manufacturer has fully perfected. But supply chain whispers suggest that Apple has had to compromise on this dream, at least for its first-generation foldable. That doesn’t mean the device will be underwhelming; instead, it reflects Apple’s pragmatic strategy of prioritizing reliability and overall user experience, even if that means launching with slightly less advanced specs.

Lee Cheong’s comments may have ended years of speculation about whether Apple would ever commit to foldable technology. While rumors have circled endlessly, some skeptics doubted Apple would risk entering a segment dominated by Samsung, which has spent nearly a decade perfecting foldable hardware. But if the leaks and Samsung’s slip are accurate, 2026 could finally be the year iPhone fans hold a foldable device in their hands. Whether it can redefine the market the way the original iPhone did remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the foldable phone race is about to get a lot more interesting.