Highlights
- Apple is reportedly satisfied with the latest display samples and has achieved a significant reduction in the crease on foldable screens.
- The breakthrough was achieved through a collaboration between Samsung and hinge supplier Amphenol.
- Apple is likely to launch its first foldable iPhone in the second half of 2026.
It is no surprise that Apple is taking its time to come out with a foldable iPhone. The brand is known for preferring to perfect the technology rather than rush to market. One of the biggest reasons for the delay with the foldable iPhone is Apple’s dislike for the crease we see on the display of current foldable devices.
Foldable phones have long struggled with a visible crease running down the middle of the screen when unfolded. Apple reportedly found this issue unacceptable and pushed its display suppliers to find a way to minimize it.
Even Samsung, Apple’s most advanced display supplier, hasn’t been able to completely eliminate the crease in its own foldables. Apple was reportedly so unhappy with early samples that it sent suppliers back to the drawing board a year ago.
The Foldable Display Crease Issue Is Solved?
According to a new report from ETNews, Apple is now satisfied with the latest display samples from Samsung. The report highlights, “Apple put forward a difficult technical requirement to overcome the weakness of a foldable phone with wrinkles on the folded screen, and it is said that it is close to the desired level.”
An industry official said to ETNews, “In order to differentiate itself from the existing foldable phone, Apple decided to eliminate wrinkles regardless of price,” and “I understand that wrinkles have disappeared with [the latest design].”
The breakthrough reportedly came from a collaboration between Samsung and hinge supplier Amphenol, which also makes MacBook hinges.
Oppo’s Latest Foldable Shows Signs Progress
The recent launch of Oppo Find N5 suggests real progress in foldable display technology.
According to 9to5Google, the crease on Oppo’s latest foldable is dramatically improved compared to last year’s Samsung foldable. The 9to5Google report mentions, “The inner screen is a truly massive canvas and one that goes mostly uninterrupted by the display crease. It’s not invisible, but it’s also hard to see, even at off-angles.”
“It also makes going back to my Galaxy Z Fold 6, the foldable I personally purchased last year, looks like a cheap knock-off by comparison. Samsung’s deep crease and thick hardware aren’t inherently terrible, but they feel like a ripoff when you see what foldable technology is actually capable of today,” the report adds.
Leaked image showing a visible difference in display crease when placed next to Samsung’s Fold 6 (left).
2026 Launch Now Likely
There have been mixed reports on when the first folding iPhone will arrive with estimates ranging from 2026 to 2027. However, ETNews now suggests 2026 is more likely, as Apple is reportedly finalising its supply chain by April, something it typically does 12-18 months before a product launch.
This lines up with a second-half 2026 release.
While nothing is confirmed yet, it looks like Apple is finally making serious progress on its first foldable iPhone.
FAQs
Q1. What is the main reason for the delay in Apple’s foldable iPhone?
Answer. One of the biggest reasons for the delay is Apple’s dislike for the crease seen on the display of current foldable devices.
Q2. How did Apple manage to solve the foldable display crease issue?
Answer. The breakthrough came from a collaboration between Samsung and hinge supplier Amphenol, which also makes MacBook hinges.
Q3. When is Apple’s first foldable iPhone expected to launch?
Answer. The first foldable iPhone is now likely to launch in the second half of 2026, as Apple is reportedly finalizing its supply chain by April.
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