Overview

• Samsung Display president Lee Cheong said the company is preparing mass production of foldable OLED phone panels for a “North American client” and expects its Gen 8.6 line to start operations by late Q2 or Q3 2026.
• Lee noted the unnamed client typically releases flagship products in the second half of the year, a detail widely interpreted as pointing to Apple.
• Recent reporting describes Apple’s foldable as a book-style device with a crease-reduced ~7.8-inch inner screen, a ~5.5-inch cover display, and side-button Touch ID, with some rumors suggesting the removal of the physical SIM slot.
• Industry analysis reads Samsung’s mass-production preparations as a sign that designs are likely near final and that initial volumes could be limited, aligning expectations for an H2 2026 debut.
• Samsung said the Gen 8.6 line, built for larger IT panels, could also support future tablets or laptops, while a larger foldable iPad project is reportedly on hold.