Rumors regarding a folding iPhone have been rolling around the internet since at least 2015. It's long been suggested that Apple's hesitancy in releasing one was due to the prominent crease in most foldable screens.
Reportedly, the reason Apple is finally launching the iPhone Fold, possibly dubbed the iPhone Ultra, is that the company has solved the crease issue. Surprisingly, it's not the glass itself but a hi-tech glue.
According to a Trendforce report (seen by 9to5Mac), Apple used a variety of approaches to reduce or eliminate the crease, some of which were revealed in Apple patents.
"In next-generation foldable devices, ultra-thin glass (UTG) is no longer just a surface protection layer," the report reads. "As indicated in Apple’s patents, a variable thickness design combined with chemical strengthening allows the folding area to be locally thinned at the bending axis to improve bendability, while non-folding regions retain greater thickness for impact resistance."
While the development of the glass is important, TrendForce claims that a sophisticated glue called optically clear adhesive (OCA). Apparently, OCA remains liquid enough to fill in microscopic gaps that would normally make up the visible creases.
According to TrendForce, the crease is due to fatigue stress affecting the glass as it folds and unfolds, which causes the deformation. OCA helps distribute the stress and allows for the glass to be thinner to improve its bendability.
"Its micro-flow characteristics also allow it to fill microscopic irregularities formed over long-term use, reducing light scattering and further minimizing the visible crease."
What we know about the panel so far
Right now, the iPhone Ultra is rumored to feature a 7.8-inch main display built by Samsung Display. The TrendForce report suggests that Apple engineers rejected multiple samples from Samsung until they landed on the current solution.
Apple's foldable is supposed to have a unique 4:3 aspect ratio, similar to an iPad, for a more tablet-like experience.
Prior to this new glue revelation, it was suggested that the creaseless display would be achieved thanks to a specialized liquid metal hinge coupled with a unique glass support structure.
Release date and price
A flurry of reports in the last couple of weeks has created some confusion about when the iPhone Fold will debut. It's still supposed to launch this year, but the question is when.
The two current windows are either Apple's usual September event alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, or it could debut in a December 2026 reveal. We lean toward September, but we'll see.
As for price, don't expect a cheap device. Apple is likely to stay competitive with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series, with analysts predicting pricing around $2,000. Some reports have suggested prices as high as $2,399 starting.
The TrendForce suggests that Apple will immediately capture 20% of the market for foldable smartphones when its version finally releases.
