- 0-20%: Unlikely - Lacks credible sources
- 21-40%: Questionable - Some concerns remain
- 41-60%: Plausible - Reasonable evidence
- 61-80%: Probable - Strong evidence
- 81-100%: Highly Likely - Multiple reliable sources
55%
Plausible
The inner display belonging to the iPhone Fold is one of the most complex pieces present in Apple’s first foldable smartphone, with the technology giant previously reported to be experiencing technical problems in eliminating the crease, which is an area that was earlier said to have been addressed by the company.
As the firm explores Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) panels of varying thickness, a fresh report states that Apple is also mulling the use of a polyimide film (PI) placed on top of this glass to improve scratch resistance. Assuming this is what the Cupertino firm is planning, the iPhone Fold will be a tier above Samsung’s foldable devices as we dive into the details below.
Samsung has incorporated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film on its foldable smartphones, with Apple also considering it since it is cheaper to mass produce than PI
With the iPhone Fold expected to launch alongside the ‘Pro’ iPhone 18 models later this year, Apple only has a few months remaining to finalize the design and components. According to The Elec, the company is considering the use of PI, but is also exploring PET film like Samsung, which will be applied on top of the UTG for better protection. A source close to the matter has said that Apple hasn’t finalized on which direction it’s taking, but it is more than likely switching to PI.
The biggest difference is that, while PI is expensive to manufacture, it also provides better scratch-resistance than PET, which will help boost the selling point of the iPhone Fold. A ton of smartphones sporting this unique form factor suffer from a major drawback, which is the inner display being susceptible to scratches and bumps, with over time wear and tear eventually rendering it useless. For Apple, Kolon Industries is reportedly a potential supplier, as it has previously developed PI solutions for foldable smartphones.
Last year, Apple was said to be actively considering PET film, but it appears the company’s engineers stumbled upon the benefits of PI film, effectively considering it as a viable option. At this point, it shouldn’t be a secret that the iPhone Fold is going to be expensive, with its predicted MSRP from a research firm said to be $2,399, but with that price tag, customers should expect nothing but the best, along with improved longevity. Given Apple’s penchant for top-tier components, selecting PI will likely be its final decision, but let us keep our fingers crossed for more updates.
News Source: The Elec
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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