Apple could borrow from Samsung in new foldable iPhone plans
It looks like Apple might be set to borrow some inspiration from Samsung with alleged plans to create a new foldable iPhone.
It was first reported back in February of this year that Apple had its own design of folding screens but according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the tech giant doesn’t plan to use it.
In Kuo’s blog, the expert explained: “My latest industry survey indicates that Apple is expected to adopt SDC’s (Samsung Display) crease-free display solution—rather than its own design—to ensure stable mass production of the foldable iPhone in 2H26.
“This decision will benefit suppliers closely aligned with SDC, with Fine M-Tec, a supplier of display metal plates (also referred to as internal hinges), emerging as the leading beneficiary.”
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By using the Samsung design, Apple will be able to ensure a roll out of the foldable iPhone by the second half of 2026, claims Kuo.
Samsung’s design for a foldable smartphone includes a metal plate, which is a ‘key design element for crease-free display’.
Kuo continued: “The primary cause of creasing in foldable phone displays is stress concentration at the fold points during repeated bending, which leads to material fatigue and permanent deformation. A metal plate helps distribute and control bending stress, preventing the display material from exceeding its elastic limit and thereby minimizing the likelihood of creases.
“The metal plate must be highly integrated with the display design. Therefore, SDC's crease-free solution for Apple includes a metal plate designed and manufactured by Fine M-Tec.”
Many people have taken to social media to share their reactions to the prospect of a new foldable iPhone.
On Reddit, one user wrote: “I briefly used a folding phone when I gave Android a go, absolutely loved the form factor but couldn’t enjoy Android with how deep into Apple’s ecosystem I am.
“Can’t wait for a folding iPhone, easy day one preorder for me.”
Another said: “Apple historically has been late to the party but has delivered a very high quality version when they do arrive. I was waiting for the same to happen with foldable phones, but their AI bungling has me worried that they kept the ‘late to the party’ part but not the ‘deliver with high quality version’.”
A third commented: “I’m running my 13 pro max into the ground until this thing gets announced. On my second battery and it’s still a damn good phone almost 4 years later.”
And a fourth person added: “Hear me out, iPhone foldable will be the 20th anniversary iPhone on 2027, mark my words.”