Samsung’s Hidden iPhone Profit Behind the Duo Displays

Apple will pay Samsung Display USD 250, roughly equivalent to Rp 4,4 juta, for every unit of the newly launched iPhone Duo sold, according to a leak from a Weibo tipster cited by detikINET. The device marks Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone market, utilizing a book-style foldable design that pairs a 5,4-inch cover screen with a 7,6-inch main internal display, as reported by Kompas.com.

Samsung Secures Three-Year Exclusive Supply Contract for Foldable OLED Panels

According to reports, Apple evaluated multiple component suppliers during the design phase of its first foldable phone. However, LG Display has not yet reached full commercial production for foldable mobile screens, while panels from BOE were rejected by Apple due to quality and reliability concerns that fell short of company standards, as detailed by detikINET. This left Samsung Display as the sole vendor capable of meeting production requirements, resulting in a reported three-year supply contract. AppleInsider noted that Apple was effectively compelled to accept the terms given the lack of viable alternatives in the market.

Manufacturing Complexity and Component Cost Pressures

The cost of the foldable display accounts for a significant portion of the device’s bill of materials. Standard iPhone displays cost Apple roughly USD 70, making the new foldable panel more than three times as expensive and consuming over 10 percent of the retail price per unit. Linda Sui, founder and principal analyst at Smart Analytics Global and former Head of Mobile Device Markets at TechInsights, told The Korea Herald (as reported by Kompas.com) that Samsung Display holds a distinct advantage in manufacturing maturity, production yields, and scale. Samsung’s years of refinement in minimizing screen crease and enhancing panel durability since launching the original Galaxy Fold in 2019 enabled the company to meet Apple’s stringent volume and quality demands.

Did you know? Financial firm Citi estimates that Apple will sell 7,3 million units of the iPhone Duo during its first year on the market, which would direct substantial revenue to Samsung Display based on the reported per-unit screen cost.

Financial Projections and Competitive Tensions

The supply agreement highlights a complex commercial relationship between two fierce smartphone rivals. Even as Samsung Electronics positions its Galaxy Fold series in direct competition with the iPhone Duo, Samsung Display remains deeply embedded in the hardware supply chain for Apple’s flagship products. The device debuted during the introductory presentation led by John Ternus, CEO, who assumed leadership at a time when Apple traditionally relies on dual-vendor competition to drive down component costs. For the foldable lineup over the next three years, however, manufacturing dependency remains concentrated entirely within Samsung’s facilities.

Samsung's Hidden iPhone Profit Behind the Duo Displays
Photo: tekno.kompas.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Apple pay Samsung for each foldable screen?

According to leaks reported by detikINET, Apple pays Samsung Display USD 250 (approximately Rp 4,4 juta) for each foldable OLED panel used in the iPhone Duo.

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Why is Apple exclusively using Samsung displays for the iPhone Duo?

According to industry reporting, LG Display cannot yet manufacture foldable phone displays at scale, and Apple found BOE’s quality and reliability insufficient, leaving Samsung as the only supplier capable of meeting production standards.

How large are the screens on the iPhone Duo?

According to Kompas.com, the device features a 5,4-inch cover screen for closed operation and a 7,6-inch main internal display when opened.

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Is Apple's Foldable iPhone A $250 Win For Samsung? Report Reveals Costly Deal Behind iPhone Duo

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