After years of speculation, it seems the foldable iPhone is finally moving from rumor to reality. According to multiple new reports, Apple is preparing to launch its first-ever foldable iPhone in 2026 — and in a surprising twist, it may rely on none other than Samsung to make it happen.

What We Know So Far

A new report from a leading Korean news outlet, coupled with analysis from respected Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, points to Apple partnering with Samsung Display to develop the foldable iPhone's screen. Specifically, Samsung is expected to supply an advanced OLED display with minimal or no visible crease — one of the biggest technical hurdles for foldable devices to date.

While Apple has remained characteristically silent, the company’s long-standing interest in foldable tech has been well-documented. Over the past few years, Apple has filed numerous patents for flexible displays, folding screen mechanisms, scrollable devices, and even self-healing screen technology that could recover from small scratches or dents.

In 2023, Bloomberg reported that Apple was actively working on a foldable iPad prototype — an initiative that many analysts believed was a stepping stone to a future foldable iPhone. Fast forward to 2025, and the pieces appear to be falling into place for a major product shift.

Why the Samsung Partnership Matters

Apple and Samsung may be fierce rivals in the smartphone market, but they’ve had a long history of business collaboration behind the scenes. Samsung has been a key component supplier for Apple for years, including providing chips, memory, and display panels. However, the foldable display segment is where Samsung dominates, thanks to years of experience with its Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series.

Samsung’s latest foldables have set benchmarks in terms of screen durability, hinge design, and minimizing display creases — all areas Apple will need to get right if it wants to enter the market successfully. Leveraging Samsung’s expertise could help Apple avoid many of the early pitfalls other brands have faced.

What Could the Foldable iPhone Look Like?

Although the design is still under wraps, speculation suggests Apple is leaning toward a “book-style” foldable iPhone — similar in form to the Galaxy Z Fold, with a large inner screen that opens up like a tablet. The foldable iPhone could also incorporate design elements from Apple’s rumored ultra-thin iPhone 17, including a slim battery and space-saving internal architecture, making for a sleeker and more refined device than existing foldables.

There’s also buzz that Apple may integrate exclusive software features into iOS to enhance the foldable experience — such as multi-window multitasking, flexible widgets, and contextual UI that adapts to how the screen is folded.

The Price Tag: Premium Innovation Doesn’t Come Cheap

If you're hoping to pick up a foldable iPhone for a steal, think again. Industry estimates predict the device will be priced between $2,000 and $2,500 — making it one of the most expensive iPhones Apple has ever released. That pricing puts it in the same ultra-premium category as Samsung’s Z Fold line and Huawei’s Mate X series.

The high cost reflects not just the new screen technology, but also the engineering and durability challenges involved in creating a folding smartphone that lives up to Apple’s usual standards.

Why 2026 Could Be a Pivotal Year for Apple

The launch of a foldable iPhone in 2026 would mark one of the biggest shifts in Apple’s iPhone lineup since the introduction of the iPhone X in 2017. With smartphone innovation plateauing in recent years, a foldable device could reignite consumer excitement and help Apple tap into a niche but growing market.

According to Counterpoint Research, foldable phone shipments are expected to reach 50 million units by 2026 — up from just 14 million in 2022. If Apple enters the market, that figure could jump significantly, shifting the industry’s direction and forcing competitors to innovate even further.

Final Thoughts

While Apple hasn’t officially confirmed the launch of a foldable iPhone, mounting evidence — including supply chain activity, patent filings, and analyst predictions — strongly suggests that it’s on the horizon. The decision to collaborate with Samsung Display hints at Apple’s seriousness in getting the product right from the start.

A 2026 launch gives Apple enough time to perfect the design, software, and durability — and to create the kind of polished, seamless user experience that Apple fans expect. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a curious iPhone user, one thing is certain: the future of foldable smartphones is about to get very interesting.