Apple is reportedly nearing the end of the selection process for a key supplier to provide the foldable display technology for its upcoming devices. According to a report from the Naver blog “yeux1122,” which cites sources within Apple’s supply chain, the company is focusing on suppliers that can meet its demanding technical standards.
These standards cover factors such as thickness, size, and curvature radius, while also emphasizing durability and crease prevention. Several component manufacturers are said to have made substantial progress in meeting these stringent requirements.
The selection process for this supplier is expected to conclude between late February and early April, although Apple has not made a final decision yet. While the report does not specify which device the foldable display will be used for, the timeline suggests that it may be intended for a foldable iPhone. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that the foldable iPhone is still in the planning phase, with a potential release window between late 2025 and 2027. Some analysts speculate that Apple might introduce a clamshell-style foldable iPhone as early as 2026.
In addition to the foldable iPhone, Apple is exploring the possibility of larger foldable devices. Recent reports from The Wall Street Journal indicate that Apple is working on a 19-inch foldable device, potentially aimed at serving as a laptop. This follows earlier reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who mentioned the possibility of a “giant” foldable iPad arriving in 2028. These larger foldable devices are expected to feature a design that eliminates visible creases, with the goal of creating a seamless, single-piece glass display.
The focus on both small and large foldable devices illustrates Apple’s broader strategy to push the boundaries of foldable technology. Whether it’s the potential release of a foldable iPhone or a new category of foldable laptops and iPads, Apple is aiming to lead the charge in delivering innovative, durable foldable displays that meet both consumer needs and industry standards. With the selection of a supplier imminent, the tech world eagerly awaits further developments in Apple’s foldable device plans.