Apple’s first foldable iPhone could debut with the toughest display yet, with reports indicating the company is testing transparent polyimide (PI) film to deliver superior scratch resistance compared to Samsung’s PET‑based solution.
Rumours suggest Apple is preparing the iPhone Fold for a 2026 launch, and insiders claim durability is the top priority.
Supply chain sources say Apple is reviewing protective films that sit atop the ultra‑thin glass (UTG) used in foldable displays. Unlike Samsung, which relies on polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Apple is reportedly considering transparent PI film, a more expensive but harder material that resists scratches more effectively.
Folding phones remain vulnerable in several areas. Ultra‑thin glass is more fragile than conventional smartphone displays, making it prone to shattering when dropped. The crease along the hinge, ribbon cables connecting both halves, and the hinge mechanism itself all present weak points.
Dust and debris trapped between the folded sides can also cause cracks, a problem that marred the launch of Samsung’s original Galaxy Fold in 2019. Apple’s strategy appears to be a slower, more deliberate approach, focusing on durability and polish rather than rushing to market.
Industry reports also suggest Apple is experimenting with new button placements to reduce stress on ribbon cables, alongside testing next‑generation ultra‑thin flexible glass (UFG) to minimise crease visibility.
Samsung, meanwhile, continues to iterate with its Galaxy Z Fold series, introducing stronger hinges and improved crease management.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7, for instance, survived 500,000 folds in Bureau Veritas testing, equivalent to around ten years of daily use. However, user complaints about screen failures in earlier models highlight the challenges of balancing innovation with reliability.
Therefore, Apple’s cautious approach could pay off. If the iPhone Fold launches with transparent PI film and improved hinge engineering, it may set a new benchmark for foldable durability. Its entry could essentially redefine expectations of what a premium foldable should feel like.
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