Is it technologically feasible for Apple to manufacture a foldable iPhone with a display devoid of creases?
In a significant move towards the future of smartphone technology, Apple is reportedly set to incorporate Samsung Display's crease-free display technology in its upcoming foldable iPhone. This decision aims to ensure stable mass production and durability, as the company seeks to overcome one of the biggest challenges in foldable smartphone displays.
The key engineering solution for the crease-free display involves the use of metal plates supplied by Fine M-Tec, a company specializing in metal plate design and manufacturing. These metal plates are integral to reducing screen creases by distributing and controlling the stress generated during folding. This minimizes material fatigue and prevents the formation of a visible crease.
The metal plates used in the foldable iPhone's display are manufactured using advanced laser drilling technology, which enhances stress distribution and crease resistance. This technology is far more advanced than traditional etching methods, making it pivotal for achieving the "crease-free" characteristic in the foldable screen.
Production of these components and the foldable OLED displays for the iPhone fold is ramping up, with Fine M-Tec expected to ship these metal plates starting in early 2026, coinciding with Apple's launch timeline. The high-quality internal hinge components combined with Samsung's OLED panel expertise are key enablers of Apple's foldable iPhone design.
The hinge of the rumoured foldable iPhone is also expected to be redesigned for greater durability. The display is anticipated to remain crease-free over time, unlike current foldable phones. This crease-free display is believed to be supplied by Samsung Display, the display arm within Samsung that already provides OLED displays for iPhones.
Apple's engineering strategy for the foldable iPhone reflects a close supply chain collaboration with Samsung. The design team for the foldable iPhone will report to Tim Cook, unlike the teams under Steve Jobs and Jony Ive. The company is rumoured to release the foldable iPhone in the first half of 2026.
[1] Ming-Chi Kuo, a well-respected Apple analyst, first reported the rumours about Apple's foldable iPhone using Samsung Display's crease-free technology. [2] The information about the metal plates and their manufacturing process comes from a report by The Elec, a Korean tech news site. [3] The details about the stress control and laser drilling technology are based on a report by ET News, another Korean tech news outlet.
- The crease-free display technology for the upcoming foldable iPhone is supplied by Samsung Display, the same company that currently provides OLED displays for iPhones.
- Ming-Chi Kuo, a renowned Apple analyst, first reported the rumors about Apple's foldable iPhone using Samsung Display's crease-free technology.
- The advanced laser drilling technology used in manufacturing the metal plates for the foldable iPhone's display is far more effective at stress distribution and crease resistance compared to traditional etching methods.
