iPhone Fold: Apple is planning a more stable folding display Apfelpatient

The iPhone Fold is increasingly becoming one of the most interesting upcoming devices in the smartphone market. New information from the supply chain suggests that Apple is taking a significantly different approach with its first foldable iPhone than previous manufacturers. The focus is on a new display construction designed to reduce the visible crease while simultaneously improving durability.

Foldable smartphones have become established, but one problem remains unresolved: the crease in the display. Many devices show visible creases after prolonged use because the display is constantly subjected to mechanical stress.

Apple appears to be specifically addressing this problem with the iPhone Fold. Instead of simply optimizing the existing technology, they are apparently developing a completely new structure that addresses several weaknesses of current foldable devices simultaneously.

Multi-layered glass as the technical core

According to the well-known Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station, Apple is using a two-layer glass structure for the iPhone Fold. This involves the use of ultra-thin materials such as UTG (Ultra-Thin Glass) or UFG (Ultra-Thin Flexible Glass).

What's special about this design is that the actual display is embedded between two layers of glass. This creates a kind of protective system that prevents the display from coming into direct contact with the hinge.

Unlike current foldable phones, which mostly use only a single layer of glass, the mechanical stress in the iPhone Fold is distributed across multiple layers. This ensures that individual components are subjected to less wear and tear. At the same time, the formation of visible creases over time can be reduced.

Separation of Display and hinge

Another key difference lies in the construction around the hinge. In many modern foldable smartphones, the display rests directly on the hinge, creating particularly high stress at this point.

Apple is apparently taking a different approach with the iPhone Fold, mechanically separating the display and hinge. This decoupling ensures that the forces generated during folding are better distributed.

The goal of this solution is clear: to make the crease in the display as inconspicuous as possible. While earlier reports of a completely crease-free display have since been downplayed, this approach is still considered a significant improvement over previous designs.

Variable glass thickness for better balance

Even in earlier development phases, Apple worked with glass that is not uniformly thick. Instead, the material thickness is specifically adjusted.

Thinner glass is used in the rebate area to ensure the necessary flexibility. Outside this zone, the material is thicker to provide greater stability.

Current rumors suggest that this technology is not used in isolation, but is part of a more complex composite system. Apple is therefore combining variable glass thickness with a multi-layered structure to optimize both flexibility and stability.

Clear distinction from existing foldables

With this approach, Apple is clearly departing from previous solutions in the foldable market. While other manufacturers mostly rely on a single ultra-thin layer of glass, Apple distributes the tasks across multiple layers.

This design fundamentally changes how forces act within the display. Instead of concentrated stress, a more even distribution is created, which should have a positive long-term impact on durability. At the same time, the visibility of the crease is reduced, although it doesn't disappear completely.

Displays, format and features

The iPhone Fold is expected to be a book-style device, with a foldable display. Current estimates suggest screen sizes of approximately 5.3 to 5.5 inches for the outer display and around 7.8 inches for the inner display.

Additionally, Apple is reportedly using liquid metal hinges. This material is considered particularly robust and durable. It could help to make the folding motion smoother and reduce wear. In combination with the new display structure, the hinge supports the goal of creating the most unobtrusive folding area possible.

Price and market launch

The iPhone Fold will clearly be positioned in the premium segment in terms of price. Current estimates suggest a price between $2,000 and $2,500. This would make it the most expensive iPhone Apple has ever released.

There are still conflicting reports regarding the release date. Some expect a launch in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series, while others consider a later date in December possible.

This uncertainty suggests that while the device is in an advanced stage of development, the final timeline may still be subject to change.

iPhone Fold: New approach to a more durable Display

The iPhone Fold uses a combination of multi-layered glass, variable material thickness, and a clear separation between the display and the hinge. This approach differs significantly from existing foldables and aims to reduce the biggest weaknesses of these devices.

Although a completely crease-free display is not yet confirmed, current information indicates that Apple is working on a more technically complex and, in the long term, more stable solution. (Image: Shutterstock / Framesira)