- 0-20%: Unlikely - Lacks credible sources
- 21-40%: Questionable - Some concerns remain
- 41-60%: Plausible - Reasonable evidence
- 61-80%: Probable - Strong evidence
- 81-100%: Highly Likely - Multiple reliable sources
50%
Plausible
Apple has reportedly given Samsung the green light to begin OLED manufacturing of the iPhone Fold, with the exclusive deal churning out 3 million units for this year’s initial supply. Some of the most advanced display technologies, such as Color Filter on Encapsulation (CoE) paired with M16, are expected to be paired together, but it’ll matter little if the iPhone Fold cannot enter timely production due to its 3D printed hinge issues.
Samsung’s exclusive deal with Apple will bring the most advanced OLED to the iPhone Fold, but the launch delay could be exacerbated by hinge issues
The liquid metal 3D printed hinge could be adopted for the first time in a foldable smartphone’s history, ushering a new wave of adoption from Apple’s competitors. Unfortunately, this crucial component has previously been rumored to exhibit rattling sounds when assembled, a claim that was shot down by a tipster, but has exhumed once again courtesy of Korean media The Elec.
The report mentions that September is the launch month being discussed for the iPhone Fold, but obtaining stability for the hinges is an area where Apple is experiencing a torrent of problems. A low-quality hinge will not just affect the device’s crease visibility, but it’ll also impact the feel of opening and closing the iPhone Fold, which has so far proven to be a major obstacle for Apple.
As Samsung readies its production lines to mass manufacture the M16 OLED, assembling the iPhone Fold could be impacted by 15 days to a month if the underlying hinge issues aren’t resolved. Inspecting each individual unit will not only increase the time to package each smartphone but also mean there will be fewer units available on the iPhone Fold’s release date, setting back supply by a significant margin.
Individually inspecting each component is also time-consuming, which raises the cost since more focus is applied to each iPhone Fold unit than to other products. We also haven’t discussed the potential defective rate of the 3D printed hinge, which can harm Apple’s total shipment goals for the year. In short, it’s going to be a slippery slope for the company by the end of 2026.
Even if the iPhone Fold is announced at the September keynote, its availability due to the 3D printed hinge can adversely affect its launch to 2027. Fortunately, the demand for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max can offset Apple’s negative revenue projections if the foldable flagship is delayed, so there’s a silver lining after all.
News Source: The Elec
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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