Apple’s Folding iPhone Might Fold the Samsung Way
For all its labs and secrecy, Apple might skip using its own folding screen innovation. Instead, it’s turning to Samsung. Despite reportedly developing an in-house design to prevent screen creases, Apple is now expected to use Samsung Display’s crease-free technology for the folding iPhone — slated for a late 2026 launch.
This sounds familiar. Apple’s recent AI announcements also lean heavily on partnerships (like with OpenAI) instead of proprietary breakthroughs. Now, even in foldables — a field it’s entering years after Samsung, Motorola, and Vivo — the company seems more comfortable relying on proven external tech than pushing its own to production.
Samsung Display Steps In
While Apple reportedly developed its own design to reduce screen creases, new insights suggest it won’t use it. Instead, Apple is expected to adopt Samsung Display’s (SDC) crease-free screen technology for the folding iPhone, which is likely to launch in the second half of 2026.
This is based on industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s latest update. He claims SDC’s solution has been chosen over Apple’s to ensure more reliable mass production.
The Secret Is in the Metal Plate
Samsung’s secret weapon? A special metal plate, developed with Fine M-Tec. This plate redistributes the stress that typically causes screen creases in foldables. The more the screen bends, the more important this hidden layer becomes.
Apple’s expected adoption of this method gives Fine M-Tec a massive boost. Shipments of these display metal plates may start in early 2026, with projections of up to 15 million units by year-end.
Fine M-Tec’s Big Win
Fine M-Tec is gearing up in Vietnam to meet demand. Each metal plate might cost Apple around $30–35, thanks to advanced laser drilling methods replacing the cheaper etching process.
That’s a steep jump from the ~$20 standard, but higher prices are a byproduct of Apple’s quality obsession. With tighter tolerances and laser microstructures to guide stress, Fine M-Tec stands to gain nearly 80% of the supply share.
Apple Follows, Samsung Leads?
The irony isn’t lost here — Apple, known for leading trends, may follow Samsung’s tech for its foldable debut. Meanwhile, Samsung is already on its seventh-generation foldables. Its upcoming Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 are expected to ship 7 million units in 2025 alone.
Other brands like Vivo and Motorola are also deep into foldable territory. The Moto Razr and Vivo X Fold series are gaining popularity, making Apple’s delay all the more glaring.
A Market Ready to Unfold
The foldable phone market is heating up. And while Apple may enter late, it aims to do so with fewer compromises. The partnership with Samsung Display and Fine M-Tec shows Apple isn’t just catching up — it’s choosing proven components over risky custom ideas.
Still, one has to wonder — if Apple builds its brand on innovation, why outsource the folding?
