Samsung could supply custom displays for Apple’s crease-free foldable iPhone

A groundbreaking advancement for Apple's eagerly awaited foldable iPhone could be on the horizon, with Samsung Display reportedly developing a unique "crease-free" display solution. This information comes from prominent supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. According to reports, Apple’s foldable device is set for mass production in the latter part of 2026. This innovative design incorporates a custom metal plate intended to alleviate the stress caused during the device's screen folding. This solution aims to address the ongoing concerns regarding visible creases that plague many current foldable smartphones. The metal plate is expected to be primarily sourced from Fine M-Tec, a supplier already associated with components utilized in Samsung’s own foldable displays. Interestingly, Samsung’s latest model, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, still shows a noticeable crease along its inner screen, despite using metal plates from Fine M-Tec. This has sparked conversations about whether Samsung Display is creating a tailored display solution specifically for Apple, raising questions about why similar innovations haven't been implemented in Samsung's foldable range. Kuo has indicated that Apple's upcoming foldable is likely to feature a 7.8-inch inner display alongside a 5.5-inch outer screen. Additionally, it will house two rear cameras, a single front-facing camera, and a power button that integrates Touch ID, diverging from the Face ID technology of the latest iPhone models. Previous reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggest that Apple is focusing on a high-quality hinge mechanism, which could significantly reduce or potentially eliminate the central crease—a common critique of competing devices. When opened, the foldable iPhone is anticipated to measure 4.5mm in thickness and approximately 9 to 9.5mm when folded. While this places it slightly thicker than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7, which measures 4.2mm unfolded and 8.9mm when closed, Apple seems to prioritize durability and display integrity over minimizing size. This development could mark a significant entry for Apple into the foldable smartphone market, and if the crease-free promise is realized, it might establish a new standard in the industry.