Samsung Display could soon begin producing screens for Apple's long-rumored foldable iPhone, with a new leak pointing to a manufacturing ramp beginning in mid-2026.

The timeline posted on Weibo by Instant Digital matches earlier analyst estimates and fits Apple's usual production window for a fall iPhone launch. A May panel ramp would align with Apple's typical iPhone production schedule.

Apple usually increases manufacturing during the summer ahead of its fall iPhone launch window.

Samsung widely expected to supply foldable iPhone displays

Samsung Display has repeatedly appeared in supply-chain reporting surrounding Apple's foldable plans. Reports in 2025 said Apple selected Samsung Display to supply OLED screens for its foldable iPhone.

Samsung currently leads the foldable OLED market and manufactures displays used in its Galaxy Z Fold smartphones. Apple has also relied on Samsung for several generations of iPhone OLED panels.

Industry reports say Samsung prepared dedicated production capacity for Apple's foldable OLED panels. The facilities could manufacture millions of displays annually if Apple moves forward with the device.

Foldable smartphone standing on a reflective desk, displaying colorful wavy lines, with a potted succulent, a glowing cat-shaped night light, and an Apple mouse in the softly lit background

Apple has also relied on Samsung for several generations of iPhone OLED panels

The timeline in the new rumor aligns with earlier analyst forecasts. Instant Digital has shared accurate Apple hardware details in the past but maintains a mixed track record.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously predicted Samsung Display could produce 7 to 8 million foldable panels for Apple as the device nears production.

Several supply-chain reports have also suggested Apple could move a foldable iPhone into production during the 2026 iPhone cycle. Those estimates place large-scale manufacturing sometime in 2026, potentially ahead of Apple's usual September iPhone launch window.

The latest leak does not reveal new technical details, but it reinforces a timeline already seen across multiple supply-chain reports. If accurate, a May display ramp would place Apple's foldable iPhone on a typical schedule for a fall device launch.