The iPhone Fold is anticipated to launch in either 2026 or 2027, featuring an inward-folding, book-style flexible display.

If the reports are accurate, Apple has overcome one of the most significant technical hurdles in the foldable smartphone space.

According to supply chain sources cited by UDN, Apple has achieved a breakthrough in eliminating the crease. The company’s solution could potentially make the iPhone the first foldable smartphone with a completely smooth, crease-free display when unfolded.

The crease: A long-standing weakness in foldable smartphones

Nearly all foldable smartphones on the market suffer from one common issue: over time, the folding area of the screen develops a visible crease, which can lead to cracking, reduced durability, and a diminished visual experience.

Fully resolving this problem would not only improve the longevity of the iPhone Fold but also contribute to a more premium feel - something Apple consistently aims for in its hardware design.

For years, rumors surrounding Apple’s foldable project suggested the company refused to accept visible creases and had been persistently working to eliminate them.

If Apple has indeed found a solution, it would give the iPhone Fold a significant edge in a segment that has struggled to grow due to durability concerns.

On the production front, Foxconn - Apple’s largest assembly partner - has reportedly established a dedicated production line for the iPhone Fold. This indicates the device has passed the prototype phase and entered the engineering validation test (EVT) stage.

Reaching this point suggests the iPhone Fold is no longer a speculative concept but a product moving toward mass production.

Apple keeps technical solution under wraps

According to AppleInsider, while the exact technology used to eliminate the crease remains undisclosed, the breakthrough is believed to result from close collaboration between Apple and its supply chain partners.

Internally, the iPhone Fold’s display is said to be supplied by Samsung Display. In July, Samsung reportedly began building a dedicated foldable screen production line exclusively for Apple.

However, Apple is responsible for designing the panel structure, material processing methods, and lamination technology.

The company is also working with component suppliers Shin Zu Shing and Amphenol to integrate the display with the hinge system.

Some sources claim Apple is using high-durability liquid metal parts for the hinge - offering superior deformation resistance compared to traditional materials.

Current leaks suggest the iPhone Fold will feature a 7.8-inch internal display - roughly the size of a compact iPad mini.

On the outside, a 5.5-inch secondary screen is expected for use when the device is folded.

This configuration would allow the iPhone Fold to function seamlessly as both a smartphone and a tablet - similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold models, but with Apple’s signature premium design philosophy and optimized user experience.

Hai Phong