Apple’s Foldable iPhone May Finally Solve the Crease Problem
Is Apple close to launching a crease-free foldable iPhone? New reports confirm the tech giant is deep in testing ultra-thin flexible glass (UFG)—a next-gen material engineered to make the telltale fold line on bendable screens all but disappear. Unlike current foldables that rely on ultra-thin glass (UTG) and still show visible creasing, Apple’s UFG approach could deliver a smoother, more durable display just in time for a 2026 debut.
This breakthrough matters because creasing has long been the Achilles’ heel of foldable smartphones. Users love the larger screens, but many remain frustrated by the distracting ridge down the middle of the display. Apple, known for its obsession with seamless design, appears determined to fix what rivals haven’t.
What Is Ultra-Thin Flexible Glass (UFG)?
Ultra-thin flexible glass isn’t just thinner—it’s smarter. According to leaker Digital Chat Station, Apple is experimenting with UFG panels that feature uneven thickness: the fold zone uses ultra-thin sections for maximum flexibility, while the rest of the screen remains slightly thicker for structural support. This dual-thickness design aims to balance durability with bendability—a feat most competitors haven’t cracked.
Traditional UTG, used in Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold and Huawei’s Mate X series, bends cleanly but still deforms under repeated stress, leading to that permanent crease. UFG, by contrast, distributes mechanical stress more evenly across the entire panel, potentially preserving screen flatness over thousands of folds. If Apple succeeds, it won’t just improve aesthetics—it could set a new industry standard.
Why Timing Isn’t a Red Flag
Some might worry that Apple is only now testing UFG in late 2025, with a 2026 launch on the horizon. But insiders say this phase aligns with Apple’s typical hardware validation cycle. Right now, the company is likely shifting from design validation into early production validation—meaning core specs are locked, but high-risk components like display materials are still being stress-tested.
In other words, Apple isn’t scrambling. It’s methodically vetting whether UFG meets its famously strict reliability benchmarks. And if UFG falls short? Sources suggest Apple already has mature UTG alternatives ready as a backup. That dual-track strategy minimizes launch risk while keeping the door open for a true innovation leap.
Chinese Display Makers Signal UFG Is Almost Ready
Apple isn’t alone in betting on UFG. The same report notes that multiple Chinese display manufacturers are also evaluating UFG-based solutions for their own foldable devices. This broader industry interest suggests the technology is nearing commercial viability—not just in labs, but on factory floors.
For Apple, partnering with these suppliers could accelerate production timelines and ensure sufficient component supply for what’s expected to be a premium, low-volume launch. It also hints that UFG may soon appear beyond Apple’s ecosystem, but Cupertino’s implementation could be the most refined thanks to its vertical integration and design rigor.
Design and Display Specs Take Shape
The upcoming foldable iPhone is shaping up to be a “book-style” device—opening vertically like a novel—with a compact 5.3- to 5.5-inch outer display for one-handed use and a generous 7.8-inch inner screen for multitasking and media. That inner panel, powered by UFG or high-end UTG, will be the star of the show.
Rumors also point to Apple using liquid metal hinges—another high-strength, corrosion-resistant alloy the company has patented before. Combined with UFG, these hinges could enable a tighter fold radius without compromising longevity. The goal? A seamless crease-free surface that feels like a single pane of glass, not a folded compromise.
Price Tag to Reflect Premium Innovation
Don’t expect this foldable to come cheap. Analysts predict a launch price between $2,000 and $2,500—making it the most expensive iPhone ever sold. That premium reflects not just the exotic materials, but also low initial yields, complex assembly, and Apple’s positioning of the device as a halo product.
Still, early adopters and loyalists may see it as worth the cost, especially if Apple delivers on its promise of a truly flat, crease-free display. In a market where Samsung’s foldables still show visible ridges, even after five generations, Apple’s potential solution could be a decisive differentiator.
How This Fits Into Apple’s Bigger Strategy
Apple has historically waited to enter new hardware categories until it can redefine them. The smartwatch, wireless earbuds, and even the tablet all followed this playbook. The foldable iPhone is no exception. Rather than rush to match rivals, Apple is using its time to solve fundamental user pain points—like creasing—that others have accepted as unavoidable.
This patient approach aligns with Apple’s E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) strengths. Consumers trust Apple to deliver polished, reliable products, even if they arrive later than the competition. With foldables still representing a small slice of the smartphone market, Apple can afford to prioritize perfection over speed.
User Experience Over Gimmicks
Critics often call foldables “solutions in search of a problem.” But Apple’s rumored focus on eliminating the crease suggests it’s targeting real usability barriers—not just flashy form factors. A seamless inner display could make reading, drawing, video calls, and multitasking genuinely better, not just different.
Moreover, Apple’s software integration could unlock unique foldable experiences. Imagine FaceTime automatically repositioning video feeds when you open the phone, or Notes app spanning both screens fluidly. Hardware innovation means little without software synergy—and here, Apple holds a clear edge.
What’s Next Before the 2026 Launch?
Over the next 12 months, expect more leaks about durability tests, hinge mechanisms, and display brightness uniformity. Apple will likely run thousands of folding cycles in labs to simulate years of real-world use. Regulatory filings and supply chain reports may also reveal partnerships with display giants like BOE or LG Display.
But the true test will be in users’ hands. If Apple can deliver a foldable that feels as solid as a traditional iPhone—with no crease, no wobble, and no compromises—it could finally make foldables mainstream.
Apple’s pursuit of ultra-thin flexible glass isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about leaping ahead. By tackling the foldable iPhone’s biggest flaw head-on, the company is positioning itself to deliver not just another gadget, but a genuinely refined evolution of the smartphone. While the $2,500 price tag will limit initial adoption, the technology could trickle down to future models, reshaping what we expect from mobile displays.
For now, all eyes are on 2026. If Apple nails the crease-free promise, it won’t just launch a new iPhone—it may redefine the entire foldable category.
