The plan to pursue mass production of a foldable iPhone might be taking form as Apple was previously reported to be shortlisting candidates that would supply it with the necessary components to initiate this process. It was mentioned that the launch would happen in the second half of 2026, with one of the notable changes arriving to the device being the lack of a visible crease, an obstacle that the company’s rivals have failed to overcome despite having years of experience under their belt manufacturing smartphones that fall under this category. However, to eliminate the crease, a display analyst has chimed in, stating that Apple would need to switch from a plastic screen to a thicker glass.
Unique process of chemically treating the front glass will be more expensive, but it can ensure that the foldable iPhone ships without a crease
On X, Display Supply Chain Consultants’ founder and CEO Ross Young, gives his view on what steps Apple needs to take if it wants to completely remove, or at the very least, minimize the visibility of the crease, and that is through the use of a thicker front glass. He also mentions that this foldable iPhone part will need to be chemically treated, likely because it can withstand a plethora number of folds and prevent the crease from forming with time. He also states that thinning the seam area would also benefit Apple’s plan.
The only problem with this approach is whether Apple can find a supplier willing to mass manufacture a thicker front glass. Based on the information that we know, Samsung will be providing OLED panels for the main and cover display of the foldable iPhone, with the California-based giant seemingly resorting to a ‘book-style’ form factor that is similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 6. Samsung currently employs UTG, or Ultra Thin Glass, technology in its devices, allowing them to be folded and unfolded an innumerable number of times, but at the cost of that dreaded crease.
Whether they can eliminate the plastic hard coat which scratches too easily would be important. Going to thicker glass that can be chemically strengthened and selectively thinning the seam area would be good. https://t.co/NzKl3wgxYY
— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) February 25, 2025
Samsung may set up a facility dedicated to producing the thicker front glass. For those wondering why the Korean giant would proceed to invest millions for just one customer, to remind you, the company has done this previously when it set up a production line to mass produce tandem OLED for Apple’s M4 iPad Pro series. Samsung had initially refused, with a previous report stating that the undertaking was not financially viable unless Apple placed a massive order. It is possible that both firms can come to some agreement, as developing a thicker front glass appears to be the only path to eliminate the crease on the foldable iPhone.
News Source: Ross Young
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