Production of the screen for
Apple's first foldable iPhone is officially underway. After months of speculation, Apple has given Samsung Display the green light to begin module production, moving the long-rumored device one giant step closer to reality.
The approval, reported by TheElec, confirms that Samsung's panel quality and production stability have met Apple's demanding quality benchmarks. For Apple, this means the core component of its foldable is ready for mass assembly, with Samsung Display now operating its back-end production lines in Vietnam to fulfill an initial order of three million panels scheduled for delivery this year.
Production Kicks Off After Exceeding Quality Thresholds
Apple only grants approval for module production after a supplier proves its final assembly quality and mass-production capabilities. The crucial benchmark is a yield rate of at least 70%, a target Samsung Display reportedly surpassed with final yields above 80%.
Under a three-year exclusive agreement, Samsung Display will be the sole supplier of these specialized OLED panels. This partnership highlights the immense complexity of
developing a rugged multi-layer display fit for an Apple device. The intricate back-end processing is now being handled at Samsung's facility in Vietnam.
With roughly 50 of its 80 production lines currently active, the facility has more than enough capacity to handle Apple's initial order. This setup leaves ample room to scale up production as the product launch approaches.
Advanced Display Technology at its Core
The panels will incorporate cutting-edge display technology, starting with Color Filter on Encapsulation (CoE). This advanced technique removes the traditional polarizer, forming a color filter directly on the encapsulation layer to create a thinner and brighter display.
Additionally, the displays will utilize Samsung's newest
M16 OLED material set. This latest generation of materials delivers substantial improvements, including enhanced brightness, better power efficiency, and a longer display lifespan. These advancements are critical for a foldable device, following Apple's extensive
early prototyping phase.
Rumored Specifications and Pricing
While Apple remains silent, the report sheds light on potential specifications. The device is rumored to feature a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch cover display.
For biometrics, the device may use Touch ID instead of Face ID. It is expected to be powered by an A20 chip and feature Apple's own C2 modem. Sources suggest the foldable iPhone could start at around $2,000, placing it firmly in the premium flagship category.
With mass production of its most critical component now in motion, the foldable iPhone is transitioning from a persistent rumor into an inevitability. This move signals Apple is finally ready to enter the foldable market, putting long-standing competitors like Samsung on notice.
