Apple’s $2,500 Foldable iPhone Could Get a Game-Changing Upgrade — And Samsung Is Behind It

Apple Inc. is considering using Samsung Electronics' advanced screen technology for its upcoming foldable iPhone. Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at TF Securities, shared that Apple plans to adopt Samsung Display's crease-free solution to ensure reliable mass production of its first foldable iPhone.

This decision will benefit Samsung-aligned suppliers, especially Fine M-Tec, which will provide display metal plates crucial for reducing screen creases during folding.

Foldable iPhone Production Details

Fine M-Tec is expected to start shipping these display metal plates in the first quarter of 2026. The projected volume is between 13 and 15 million units in 2026. These plates are priced between $30 and $35 each and use laser drilling to improve stress distribution and crease resistance, a more advanced method than traditional etching.

The durability of crease-free screens is a significant challenge in foldable phones. Fine M-Tec, already a leading supplier for Samsung's foldables, is set to capture over 80% of Apple's metal plate orders. This move aligns with Apple's strategy to ensure stable mass production by leveraging Samsung's expertise rather than relying on an in-house design.

Market Implications and Pricing

Previously, Kuo mentioned that Apple's first foldable iPhone might be priced between $2,000 and $2,500. He also suggested that Touch ID could return on the side button due to design and space constraints possibly leading to the removal of Face ID.

Apple's decision to use Samsung Display's crease-free screen technology for its 2026 foldable iPhone is fostering a new wave of innovation among component suppliers. Fine M-Tec, chosen as the primary provider of display metal plates, stands to benefit from Apple's stringent display standards, which far exceed those traditionally met using SDC's current etching techniques.

Laser drilling will replace standard etching for the iPhone's metal plates, introducing microstructures that more efficiently distribute mechanical stress and dramatically increase crease resistance. This shift not only supports Apple's pursuit of a more durable, visually seamless foldable device but also significantly raises the technical barrier for competitors. As a result:

• Fine M-Tec's plates are estimated to command higher average selling prices ($30-$35 each) compared to the ~$20 price for etched versions.
• The company is positioned to capture over 80% of Apple's orders, with projected shipments between 13 and 15 million units in 2026.
• The capacity to deliver advanced, laser-drilled plates limits competition, reinforcing Fine M-Tec's leadership in this specific market.
• This technological edge is expected to drive significant revenue and profit growth for Fine M-Tec, outpacing less specialized rivals as the foldable smartphone sector expands.

The transition to laser drilling exemplifies how evolving device specifications, particularly for premium products like the foldable iPhone, are reshaping the supplier landscape, placing greater emphasis on technical mastery and precision manufacturing.

Apple's strategic decisions surrounding the foldable iPhone could profoundly influence its market position and financial performance in the coming years, as the company navigates complex design and production challenges while capitalising on growth opportunities in key markets like China.