Apple has long been rumored to be working on a foldable iPhone, but despite the success of competitors like Samsung, the company has yet to release one. The biggest reason for this delay, according to industry insiders, is Apple’s dissatisfaction with the visible crease that appears on the screen of foldable phones. Unlike traditional smartphones, foldables are unique in that they feature a screen that bends in half, creating a crease at the fold. For Apple, maintaining a seamless, high-quality display is a top priority, and the visible crease has long been a major obstacle.
This article takes a deeper dive into the challenges Apple faces with foldable displays, why the crease issue is so important, and how Samsung has finally solved this problem to Apple’s satisfaction. Additionally, we explore why Apple is sticking with Samsung as its exclusive supplier for foldable OLED panels, despite other manufacturers like LG and BOE also vying for the job.
The Visible Crease Problem and Apple’s Reluctance to Launch
For years, users and reviewers of foldable phones have consistently pointed out one significant flaw: the visible crease in the center of the screen when the device is unfolded. While some users may overlook this flaw, for Apple, it’s a dealbreaker. The company has built its brand on premium, visually pristine displays, and a noticeable crease simply doesn’t align with Apple’s standards of quality.
Reports from earlier this year revealed that Apple had directed its suppliers to return to the drawing board, hoping for a solution that would reduce the crease to near invisibility. The timing was crucial, as foldable phones were still in their early stages of development, with Samsung’s own devices showcasing significant creases. But as of early 2025, Apple received promising news from Samsung—finally, a solution to the crease problem.
Samsung’s engineering team, in collaboration with Apple’s hinge supplier Amphenol (the company behind MacBook hinges), had successfully developed a screen that minimized the visible crease. A critical step was the use of improved folding OLED panels that maintained durability without compromising the screen’s visual quality.
Only Samsung Has Found a Solution
Despite Apple’s extensive testing of foldable technology from other suppliers like LG and BOE, only Samsung has managed to meet Apple’s stringent standards. This has led to an industry-shifting decision: Samsung Display will be the exclusive supplier for Apple’s first foldable iPhone, set for release in the second half of 2026.
Samsung’s exclusive position is no accident. The company’s technological lead in foldable displays is undeniable. Samsung’s OLED panels are known for their impressive quality, and it’s their advanced folding technology that has allowed them to solve the crease issue. The difference is stark when compared to other foldable displays on the market, such as those from LG and BOE, which have yet to deliver comparable results.
Apple’s decision to work exclusively with Samsung underscores its preference for quality over price. While the company typically seeks multiple suppliers to diversify risk and enhance negotiating power, it’s been willing to place trust in a single supplier when the technology is right. A similar decision was made when Apple chose TSMC as the exclusive manufacturer of its A-series chips after other companies, including Samsung, failed to meet its quality standards.
The Foldable iPhone: What to Expect
Apple’s first foldable iPhone, which has been heavily anticipated by tech enthusiasts, is expected to debut next year. While there have been rumors about innovative features such as Face ID integrated into the display, these claims are still under review. For now, the most pressing detail is the display itself, as Apple looks to revolutionize the foldable phone market with its signature design and exceptional user experience.
For Apple, the foldable iPhone represents a major step into uncharted territory, combining innovation with the company’s rigorous standards. It remains to be seen whether the foldable iPhone will set a new benchmark for the industry or struggle to meet the expectations of its loyal customer base. However, the technological leap achieved by Samsung in perfecting the foldable display will likely play a significant role in determining the device’s success.
What Undercode Say: The Foldable iPhone and Apple’s Reluctance
Apple’s cautious approach to the foldable iPhone makes perfect sense when you consider the company’s history of prioritizing quality and design. The visible crease in foldable phones, while a minor issue for some users, presents a major problem for Apple, which has long been known for producing flawless, premium devices. For Apple, the foldable phone is not just about folding; it’s about perfecting every element of the device to ensure a seamless user experience.
Samsung’s technological edge in display production has given them a head start in the foldable market, but Apple’s decision to partner exclusively with them for the first foldable iPhone signals a new chapter for Apple in its pursuit of innovation. Samsung has not only provided Apple with the technological solution for the crease but also delivered it in a way that aligns with Apple’s stringent quality standards.
Apple’s strategic shift is indicative of its willingness to prioritize product perfection over cost-saving measures. The partnership with Samsung could pave the way for more seamless, high-quality foldable phones in the future. However, there’s also the risk that Samsung’s dominance in the foldable display market could hinder competition, leaving consumers with fewer options and potentially higher prices.
Furthermore, Apple’s decision to focus on foldable OLED displays, while excluding LG and BOE, speaks to the growing significance of screen quality in foldable phones. As the industry moves forward, foldable technology will evolve, but it will always be closely linked to the visual and functional integrity of the screen.
Despite all of this, Apple’s first foldable iPhone is still under wraps, with only a few details emerging about the device’s design and functionality. As with any new product from Apple, the anticipation is high, and the stakes are higher. Will the foldable iPhone live up to the hype? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: Apple is determined to get it right.
Fact Checker Results:
- Crease Issue: Reports confirm that the visible crease remains one of the most significant challenges for foldable devices, and Samsung has finally solved it to Apple’s satisfaction.
- Supplier Exclusivity: Samsung is the exclusive supplier for Apple’s first foldable iPhone, with other manufacturers like LG and BOE unable to meet Apple’s standards.
- Face ID Integration: Rumors about Face ID in the foldable iPhone are still unconfirmed, with some sources suggesting it’s still in the testing phase.
References:
Reported By: 9to5mac.com
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