In a significant development for the smartphone industry, Apple's long-awaited entry into the foldable phone market might hinge on technology from its biggest rival, Samsung. Speculation is rife that the upcoming iPhone Fold could incorporate Samsung's newly unveiled crease-free foldable display, potentially solving a major pain point for users of bendable devices.
Samsung's CES 2026 Breakthrough
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas became the stage for a potential game-changer. Samsung Display showcased a prototype of a foldable screen with no visible crease, a feat previously thought to be a distant reality. This technology demonstration also successfully integrated an under-display camera into the flexible panel, marking a leap in engineering.
While no commercial product has yet used this technology, industry tipster IceUniverse suggested on social media platform X that Samsung might first deploy it in its own rumoured Galaxy Wide Fold. However, the more intriguing possibility is that Apple is planning to license this very display for its inaugural foldable iPhone, tentatively dubbed the iPhone Fold.
What We Know About Apple's iPhone Fold
Although Apple remains characteristically silent, a consistent stream of leaks has painted a picture of the device. The iPhone Fold is expected to feature a clamshell design with a 5.5-inch outer display and a larger 7.8-inch inner screen when unfolded.
Reports indicate that while Samsung would supply the crucial inner display panel, Apple's legendary design team will handle other core components. This includes the hinge mechanism, lamination process, and the overall panel structure. To ensure durability, Apple might employ liquid metal components for the hinge, aiming to create a device tougher than current market offerings.
Specs, Features, and a Hefty Price Tag
On the imaging front, Bloomberg's reliable analyst Mark Gurman previously suggested a quad-camera setup. This could comprise two 48-megapixel sensors on the rear, complemented by a selfie camera on both the inner and outer displays for seamless video calls whether open or closed.
In a nod to practicality, Apple may also bring back Touch ID for this model. The fingerprint sensor is rumoured to be integrated into the power button, a design choice seen in many existing foldables, providing a secure and convenient unlock method.
The most staggering rumour, however, concerns the price. Gurman predicted the iPhone Fold could carry a price tag of around $2,400 (approximately over ₹2,00,000). If accurate, this would position Apple's foldable significantly above competitors from Samsung, vivo, Oppo, and Motorola, redefining the premium segment of the market.
The potential collaboration highlights the complex, symbiotic relationships in the tech world. Even as they battle for market share, Samsung's display division remains a leading supplier for many companies, including Apple. If the rumours hold, the iPhone Fold, expected later in 2026, might not just be Apple's first foldable, but the first consumer device to market a truly crease-less viewing experience, thanks to an unlikely partner.
