[News] Apple Reportedly to Debut Foldable in 2026, Prompting Korean Component Makers to Expand

As Samsung and Apple lead the push into foldable smartphones, South Korean component suppliers are reportedly increasing their facility investments, according to ZDNet. The report indicates that the market is expected to grow substantially from 2026 onward, prompting these suppliers to scale up capacity in preparation for rising demand.

As noted in the report, the foldable smartphone market has so far been driven primarily by Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series, along with emerging Chinese competitors. Although growth is expected to slow in 2025 due to macroeconomic challenges and weak demand, a rebound is anticipated in 2026, with Apple expected to enter the market in the second half of the year.

In response, Fine Technix has announced a KRW 17.4 billion (about USD 13.3 million) investment in new facilities, according to sources cited in the report. The company focuses on supplying internal hinges (metal plates) for foldable phones, which are manufactured using precision laser drilling, as the report indicates.

Meanwhile, the report highlights that demand for ultra-thin strengthened glass (UTG)—a key material in foldable device displays—is expected to rise, especially as next-generation models may adopt multiple UTG layers to reduce screen creasing.

Sources cited in the report state that South Korean UTG manufacturer Dowooinsys is actively ramping up production at its Vietnam facility. Additionally, the report notes that another UTG maker, UTI, issued KRW 15 billion (approximately USD 11.5 million) in convertible bonds last month, with the funds allocated to labor costs, R&D for foldable products, and production line expansion. UTI is preparing to expand and build new production lines at its Vietnam plant, with mass production targeted for 2026, as mentioned in the report.

Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone market is also expected to have a major impact on the display supply chain. According to Fortune, Samsung Display is likely to be the primary supplier, with capacity to produce up to 15 million 7-inch foldable OLED panels annually. LG Display may also contribute, as Apple aims to diversify its display suppliers, the report indicates.

TrendForce’s latest forecast estimates that shipments of foldable phones will reach 19.8 million units in 2025, maintaining a market penetration rate of around 1.6%, on par with 2024. Although growth has slowed compared to previous years, advancements in technology and declining prices are gradually positioning foldables as a key innovation in the mid-to-high-end smartphone segment—and a powerful tool for brand differentiation.

Read more

• [News] Apple’s First Foldable iPhone May Debut in Fall 2026, Made by Foxconn
• [News] Huawei to Unveil First Foldable PC Next Monday, Reportedly Powered By In-house Kirin X90
• Accelerated Brand Expansion Reshapes Foldable Phone Market; Apple’s 2026 Entry May Ignite Industry Breakthrough, Says TrendForce

(Photo credit: Apple)