Apple is working on a foldable smartphone with an almost imperceptible crease, having made significant strides in developing its first foldable iPhone by addressing one of the biggest challenges of flexible screens: the visible fold line. This breakthrough was reported by the South Korean publication ETNews.

When Can We Expect the Foldable iPhone?

The company is finalizing its selection of component suppliers, a process insiders say will conclude by April 2025. Mass production of key parts, including the displays, is expected to kick off in the second half of this year, with an official unveiling slated for 2026.

How Did Apple Minimize the Crease?

Unlike competitors like Samsung and Huawei, Apple has reportedly found a way to make the fold line nearly invisible. This is believed to involve innovative materials and technologies that alter the screen’s properties, setting it apart from existing foldable designs.

Samsung Display is poised to be the primary supplier of OLED panels for the foldable iPhone, leveraging its pioneering expertise in mass-producing flexible screens.

What Will the Foldable iPhone Look Like?

The device is anticipated to feature an inward-folding design, akin to an open book. To protect the display, Apple is likely to employ ultra-thin glass (UTG) from the American company Corning.

How Will This Impact the Market?

The crease remains a major technical hurdle for foldable smartphone makers, with no one yet achieving a completely seamless fold. If Apple has indeed cracked this challenge, it could gain a substantial edge over rivals, potentially setting a new benchmark for the industry.