Remember when foldable phones were supposed to be the future? That annoying crease down the middle made them feel like expensive compromises. Apple might have finally fixed that problem. New 3D renders from leaker Jon Prosser reveal the iPhone Fold design features what could be the first truly crease-free foldable display. The solution uses liquid metal hinges and ultra-thin glass technology.
The renders show a book-style foldable with a 7.8-inch inner display and 5.5-inch outer screen. Both use a wider 4:3 aspect ratio. Unlike Samsung’s tall, narrow Galaxy Z Fold series, Apple’s approach creates a more tablet-like experience when unfolded. The device measures around 9mm thick when folded and just 4.5mm when open. That makes it thinner than most current foldables on the market.
What makes the iPhone Fold crease-free display possible comes down to engineering rather than magic. Apple’s solution uses custom metal plates with laser-drilled microstructures. These distribute bending stress at a microscopic level. Combined with liquid metal components in the hinge mechanism, the system spreads out stress during folding. This keeps the display visually flat even after thousands of folds.
Apple is also experimenting with ultra-thin flexible glass in an “unequal thickness” stack. Different layers of the display have varying thicknesses to reduce the visible fold line. Samsung supplies the OLED panels while Fine M-Tec provides the specialized metal plates. However, reports suggest the crease-free glass tech isn’t fully locked in yet. The final implementation could still change before launch.
Touch ID returns with premium pricing
To keep the device thin, Apple is reportedly ditching Face ID. Instead, the company will use a side-mounted Touch ID sensor built into the power button. The phone will use in-cell touch panel technology to reduce display layers. Additionally, it features high-density batteries potentially around 5,800mAh and an A20 Pro-class chip. Pricing is expected to land between $2,000 and $2,500, placing it well above Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold models.
The iPhone Fold launch timeline points to mass production in the second half of 2026. Retail launch will happen alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup that fall. JPMorgan analysts predict the device could sell 45 million units by 2028. This could potentially bring foldables into the mainstream despite the premium price tag.
Whether Apple can actually deliver a completely invisible crease remains to be seen. Current foldables like the OPPO Find N5 have made significant progress. However, no device has completely eliminated the fold line. If Apple pulls this off, it could set a new standard for foldable durability and aesthetics. This would force Samsung and other competitors to rethink their engineering entirely.
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Source: Apple’s iPhone Fold Renders Show the First Truly Crease-Free Foldable Display
