Apple’s first foldable, allegedly known as the iPhone Fold, is still reportedly on track to launch in the latter half of 2026, despite the noise surrounding production issues. Besides all that, the foldable could feature a nearly crease-free display, which is something that the current foldable makers have yet to achieve. A fresh report now suggests that Apple still has some things to solve in its next-generation ultra-thin flexible glass (UFG) for the foldable iPhone to make it crease-free.
Apple is still testing Ultra-Thing Glass to achieve a crease-free foldable iPhone
As per Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station, Apple is apparently evaluating UFG panels with uneven thickness, using glass in the folding area to improve flexibility while retaining thicker sections elsewhere for durability. The current foldables rely on ultra-thin glass (UTG) that inevitably deforms along the hinge. However, UFG is apparently designed to distribute bending stress more evenly across the panel.
This approach could reduce the crease to a point where it becomes visually difficult to notice while using it. The testing of this is reportedly ongoing as Apple refines its manufacturing process and long-term reliability targets ahead of the 2026 launch.
The phone will debut in 2026
However, the timing of this seems late in Apple’s development cycle. But it doesn’t suggest a delay. Apple may be transitioning from design validation to early production validation. This is where the big hardware decisions are already locked in, but components that are high-risk are undergoing final qualification.
Furthermore, the tipster also adds that two Chinese display makers are also testing UFG solutions. This suggests that the technology is on the verge of commercial readiness. Apple’s iPhone Fold may arrive with a 5.3- to 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.58/7.8-inch inner screen. Reportedly, the phone will measure 120.6×83.8mm when folded, 167.6×120.6mm unfolded. It’ll measure just 4.8mm in thickness when open. All of this won’t come cheap, as it could cost somewhere between $2,000 and $2,500.
The post Apple Struggling to ‘Kill’ the iPhone Fold Crease, But Still on Track appeared first on Android Headlines.
