Yes, the iPhone X has not launched yet and Apple's first OLED device is less than a few weeks away. That does not mean we will stop looking into the future and not inform you about what we hear through the grapevine. According to The Investor, Apple is currently working with LG to develop an iPhone that will feature a foldable OLED panel. The report also claims that Apple opted to work with LG this time simply due to the rivalry with Samsung.

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In order to make a foldable smartphone work, the components need to have the same features and LG Innotek has been tasked to developed a rigid flexible printed circuit board. The report also goes further to add that Apple is considering to invent in an LG plant to produce OLED displays for the Cupertino giant.

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Apple's iPhone X's display is currently being supplied by Samsung as it is the sole supplier capable of meeting Apple's demand. Apple is working with LG in the hopes of increasing production output and lower the cost of manufacturing.

Previous reports have suggested that Samsung may just beat everyone by introducing the world's first foldable OLED display smartphone and it is expected to launch as soon as next year. Apple is currently falling behind as the company is looking to bring foldable iPhones to the market not before 2020/2021.

“LG Display recently created a task force to develop a foldable OLED screen for the new iPhone model, while its parts-making sister firm LG Innotek has also setup a team dedicated to developing the rigid flexible printed circuit board,” the report claims.

Foldable OLED panel is different from bendable OLED panels as the latter supports pressure sensitive input. Apple is also rumoured to be working with Japan Display to make bezel-less iPhones in the near future. This report is just a testament how Apple's relationship is strained with Samsung and can't really rely on the Korean company as a long-term supplier.

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The two companies have already gone back and forth with lawsuits for years and Apple eventually won the $1 billion in damages. Today it seems like the two companies have moved past their differences and started doing business again. Sort of. In the current state of affairs, Apple needs Samsung for many of the components needed for its iPhone, iPads, and range of Laptops.

Source: The Investor