Apple’s entry into the foldable phone market has been long-awaited. Reports suggest prototypes have moved beyond early testing and that Apple plans to ship its first foldable iPhone in 2026. Leaks point to a 7‑inch internal screen with no visible crease and a strong reliance on Samsung Display’s OLED expertise.
Samsung Display’s Asan A3 Production Line
Samsung Display started a dedicated line in its A3 plant in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, in the second half of next year. According to industry sources, the plant is already at its last leg and will churn out screens solely meant to power this unfolding Apple product. The sole supply contract to Apple will be a rare case of a sole-supplier contract with Samsung Display.
Capacity and Production Details
The new line will produce as many as 1.25 million 7-inch foldable OLED panels each month. That is a 15million panel capacity per annum. Initial projections calculate that Apple is only expected to produce 6 to 8 million of the new foldable smartphone by the time the first year of production is done, and this still provides an opening window to Samsung to gear up further, as production would attract more users.
Timeline and Market Impact
The production of the screen might start at the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026, in time with the planned foldable launch by Apple. The Samsung plant construction is coupled with the efforts of the supply chain to purchase upgraded glass substrates and strengthen its position in the foldable display sector. The collaboration is likely to increase Samsung’s market share in the foldable OLED market to more than 70%.
This is an emphasized factory line, and it reflects how serious Apple is with its foldable plans and Samsung as a supplier that can be relied upon. With both companies perfecting their gadgets, the smartphone world will be keen to observe whether Apple will live up to the parity standards of the current foldable device or rise above them.
