55%
Plausible
Unlike other foldable smartphone designs, the iPhone Fold has been reported to sport a crease-free inner display that would be aided by the use of Ultra-Thin Flexible Glass technology (UFG) of varying thicknesses. Samsung showcased this crease-free design at CES 2026, but Apple may not have commenced the development of its first foldable offering had it not been for a Chinese competitor’s handset. According to the latest rumor, this model in question provided a solid foundation due to its thin form factor and the smoothness of the crease.
A tipster claims that the Chinese competitor’s foldable smartphone in question was the OPPO Find N5, and the smoothness of the screen was difficult to surpass with the iPhone Fold
The OPPO Find N5 is the company’s previous-generation foldable flagship equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Elite, but its design is probably more impressive than its internal specifications. After all, it flaunts a thickness of just 4.2mm when completely unfolded, along with a significantly minimized crease. Based on Weibo tipster Fixed-focus digital cameras’ claims, the Find N5 became the benchmark for the iPhone Fold’s development, as the technology giant purchased the device and disassembled it to gauge this feat.
The latest details state that Apple produced a number of samples, but none of them could match the Find N5’s inner display smoothness. The aforementioned panels were likely for the prototype version of the iPhone Fold, which is rumored to lack Face ID and will instead offer a side-mounted Touch ID sensor due to design complications, thanks to its thinner frame. Then again, we doubt Apple would launch an iPhone Fold with a visible crease because the company’s engineers have been rumored to be making exceptional efforts to set the device apart from the competition.
It is no secret that smartphone companies often examine the designs of competing handsets in an effort to mass produce a more refined version. Given that Apple is late to the foldable launch party, it probably would have disassembled a few models before gaining inspiration from the Find N5. Samsung, which is regarded as the progenitor of the foldable form factor, is rumored to adopt the iPhone Fold design by switching to a passport-style exterior later this year, so this rumor shouldn’t appear as significant or surprising.
News Source: Fixed-focus digital cameras
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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