Pushing the Limits: iPhone Fold’s Ambition for a Crease-Free Display

The latest rumors surrounding the iPhone Fold suggest that Apple is preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market with a bold and unconventional strategy. At the center of this approach lies a highly ambitious goal: delivering a truly crease-free folding display. While this promise could set the iPhone Fold apart from its competitors, industry insiders say it also brings significant engineering challenges.

According to sources close to the supply chain, Apple is heavily focused on ultra-thin flexible glass technology for its foldable device. Trusted leaker Digital Chat Station reports that Apple is testing Ultra-Thin Flexible Glass (UFG) in various thickness levels. This material is a crucial component of foldable displays, playing a key role in both flexibility and durability. However, as the glass becomes thinner, it also becomes softer and more vulnerable to scratches and long-term wear.

Striking the right balance has proven to be Apple’s biggest hurdle. If the inner display is too soft, it risks developing permanent marks and damage during everyday use. On the other hand, if the glass lacks sufficient flexibility, creases become unavoidable when the device is folded. To overcome this, Apple is reportedly putting multiple UFG variants through months of rigorous testing. The ultimate goal is to create a display that remains visually smooth while withstanding countless open-and-close cycles.

Leaked prototype details also hint at changes beyond the display itself. Unlike recent iPhone models that rely heavily on Face ID, current iPhone Fold prototypes are said to omit this feature in favor of a side-mounted Touch ID sensor. This suggests Apple is rethinking its biometric security approach to better suit the foldable form factor, prioritizing practicality and ergonomics.

Apple is not alone in this technological race. Two Chinese manufacturers are reportedly developing similar ultra-thin flexible glass solutions and testing large-screen foldable prototypes of their own. Huawei’s Mate XT, marketed as the world’s first tri-fold smartphone, highlights just how rapidly competition in the foldable segment is accelerating. Against this backdrop, the iPhone Fold appears poised to be more than just another foldable phone—it could represent Apple’s attempt to redefine expectations and set a new benchmark for the entire category.