After years of development, Apple is finally close to releasing a foldable iPhone, and Samsung is giving a sneak peek at the technology behind it. At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Samsung displayed some of its first manufacturing prototypes of foldable screens that are completely crease-free. These displays are made by Samsung’s display division, which also partners with Apple. The buzz from the show suggests that the new screens don’t show any visible fold or crease, a significant step forward for foldable phones.

Advances in Foldable Display Technology

Samsung’s latest foldable screens are believed to be destined for the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8, according to reports from SamMobile. However, industry insiders think that Apple and Samsung Display have been working together on the design and development of these foldable panels. It’s likely that a version of this technology will be used in Apple’s own foldable iPhone, expected to launch later this year. Experts say the new displays feature an almost invisible hinge and use OLED technology, which is key to achieving a smooth, flexible surface.

Apple has been working on foldable iPhones for more than a decade, filing patents as early as 2014. Despite this long history, the company has held back from releasing such a device. The main reason is that manufacturing reliable, durable foldable screens has been a challenge. Apple wants to make sure that its foldable phone won’t develop creases, cracks, or hinge problems after just a few months of use. The last thing Apple wants is for millions of devices to break or have visible damage, which could harm its reputation and customer trust.

What Samsung’s CES Reveal Means for Apple

The prototypes shown at CES suggest that Samsung has made significant progress in creating foldable displays that meet Apple’s high standards. The key innovation appears to be a new metal plate technology supplied by South Korea’s Fine M-Tec. These metal plates help reduce stress on the display hinge, preventing visible creases and improving durability. Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo mentioned last year that similar metal plates could be used for Apple’s foldable phones, and recent investments indicate that production of these components is ramping up.

This new metal technology is just part of the overall innovation needed to produce a foldable iPhone that can withstand everyday use. The display’s hinge design, the quality of the foldable material, and how the device handles repeated opening and closing are all critical factors. Samsung’s recent prototypes suggest that these hurdles are being addressed, and the technology is approaching readiness for mass production.

All signs point to Apple entering the foldable phone market by late 2026, with an initial release expected to see between 15 to 20 million units sold in its first full year. The company’s focus has been on perfecting the foldable display technology to avoid issues like creasing, cracking, or hinge failures. Samsung’s advancements at CES show that the industry is moving closer to making foldable phones a reliable and mainstream option for consumers.

Inspired by

• https://www.computerworld.com/article/4113862/ces-2026-samsung-previews-the-future-of-the-iphone.html

Sources

• ces.tech
• sammobile.com
• 9to5mac.com
• applemust.com
• archive.org