Apple plans to launch a foldable iPhone featuring Samsung's crease-free OLED display technology during the second half of 2026, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from TF International Securities. The device will incorporate metal plates supplied by Korean company Fine M-Tec to distribute stress from the folding display mechanism. These specialized components aim to prevent the screen material from exceeding its elastic limit during repeated bending motions. Fine M-Tec will begin delivering the metal plates during the first quarter of 2026 at a unit cost between $30 and $35. The supplier specializes in manufacturing doors and hinges for various applications.
Manufacturing costs will rise significantly due to the laser drilling process required to attach the metal plates to the device. This assembly method costs $30 to $35 per unit compared to the $20 expense of traditional etching techniques. The price increase represents a 175 percent jump in manufacturing expenses for this particular component integration. Apple faces potential consumer pricing between $2,000 and $2,500 for the foldable device based on these production costs. Display Supply Chain Consultants CEO Ross Young suggests an alternative approach using thicker chemically treated front glass to eliminate visible creasing, though this method also carries substantial expense implications.
Manufacturing costs will rise significantly due to the laser drilling process required to attach the metal plates to the device. This assembly method costs $30 to $35 per unit compared to the $20 expense of traditional etching techniques. The price increase represents a 175 percent jump in manufacturing expenses for this particular component integration. Apple faces potential consumer pricing between $2,000 and $2,500 for the foldable device based on these production costs. Display Supply Chain Consultants CEO Ross Young suggests an alternative approach using thicker chemically treated front glass to eliminate visible creasing, though this method also carries substantial expense implications.
