The book-style form factor of the foldable iPhone will have hundreds of intricate parts working in unison to ensure that the device works as intended and holds up well over time. This means that Apple will work around the clock to evaluate component samples being sent by various supply chain partners. Earlier in February, the Cupertino firm was said to be shortlisting candidates for a multitude of parts, of which Samsung’s name popped up, suggesting that the company might have figured out which supplier will be focused on providing the displays. As for the rest of the internals, a report says that Apple has yet to give a verdict, as an unnamed partner has sent its samples for further vetting.
A truckload of components needs to be evaluated and approved quickly if Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected to arrive at its previously intended H2 2026 launch
China Securities Taurus quoted a source from an unnamed supply chain partner, who mentioned a shipment target figure provided by Apple for its foldable iPhone, which will reportedly launch in the second half of 2026. As reported by ITHome, this manufacturer has provided the California-based giant with a number of parts over the years, and it hopes that it will once more be shortlisted to provide components for the foldable iPhone.
Due to the estimated high price of the upcoming flagship, with the figure said to be in the $2,000 and $2,500 range, Apple is not expected to ship a ton of these, but securing orders for the first model means that this mysterious supplier will be given preference when the foldable iPhone’s successor is planned in the future. So far, Apple has yet to commence the components’ evaluation, but when it does, it will initiate the NPI, or New Product Introduction process.
As mentioned above, the only noteworthy supplier for foldable iPhone parts is Samsung, and the latter is apparently preparing a new form of panel technology that it has yet to employ on the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7. Whatever this new addition is, we eagerly wait to see what sets it apart from the competition, but there is still a ton of waiting to do because the launch is not expected until the second half of 2026.
News Source: ITHome
