Samsung is betting on a foldable iPhone rather than its own Galaxy Z Fold 7

It seems Samsung Display is increasingly relying on Apple rather than its own devices when it comes to the future of foldable OLED displays. Amid falling demand for the Galaxy Z lineup, the company is now pinning its hopes on the long-discussed foldable iPhone – and it could be a game changer in the market.

Samsung Display’s new Galaxy Z lineup is now being touted as the first of its kind.

Galaxy Z sales fall – Samsung cuts forecasts

According to industry sources (translated from Korean), demand for foldable smartphones continues to decline, including the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, whose sales came in well below expectations. Samsung initially expected to sell around 10 million devices, but later lowered the forecast to 7-8 million. However, the situation has deteriorated even further in 2025: the sales forecast for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 has been lowered to just 5 million units.

With this background Samsung Display Samsung Display, the division responsible for developing and supplying screens, is struggling to grow in the foldable panel segment. Expectations for this year remain subdued, and the company apparently doesn’t believe it will have a breakthrough on its own devices.

There’s hope for Apple and the foldable iPhone

The industry has long discussed the possibility of releasing the first foldable iPhone, and insiders say Apple has approached the project as cautiously as possible in an effort to avoid the shortcomings of competitors. One of those advances could be the lack of a visible screen crease one of the main problems with current foldable smartphones.

It’s this – the perfect crease-free appearance – that could be what turns the mass consumer’s perception of the foldable form factor upside down. If Apple does release such a device, Samsung Display, as one of the key suppliers of screens for the iPhone, stands to benefit.

And if Apple does release such a device, Samsung Display will be in a good position.

New round of collaboration: iPhone 17 Air in 2024, foldable iPhone in 2025

According to analysts’ predictions, a foldable iPhone could be unveiled as early as 2025. It would be Apple’s second consecutive unveiling of the new form factor, with this year’s debut of the iPhone 17 Air

If the foldable iPhone proves successful, it will not only provide a strong boost to the segment, but could also indirectly affect sales of the Galaxy Z, fueling interest in the category as a whole. As a result, both Apple and Samsung could capitalize on the growing interest in foldable smartphones – but only if they play their cards right.