It’s the time of year when Apple finalizes many design details and specs for next fall’s flagship iPhone lineup. But the latest leak indicates a key feature of the iPhone Fold’s display—the crease free design—is still very much in flux.
Apple is still experimenting with solutions for ‘crease-free’ display on iPhone Fold
Next fall, Apple is expected to launch its first ever foldable iPhone. And leaks about the device have been coming steadily in recent weeks.
The latest comes from Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station, who posted an update on Apple’s goal of a “crease-free” design for the iPhone Fold’s display.
Here’s a translated version of the post:
Apple’s goal for its foldable screen is indeed “a crease-free visual experience,” and they are currently experimenting with ultra-thin flexible glass (UFG) of varying thicknesses. There are still some technical challenges to overcome, but with a planned release in September of next year, there is still time. In addition, two domestic Chinese manufacturers are also evaluating UFG technology and have similar wide-fold testing solutions. If the supply chain technology is successfully developed, it’s highly likely that we will see their products next year, competing directly with Apple.
It’s been widely reported for some time that a crease-free design was a key sticking point for Apple.
The company has held off launching a foldable iPhone before now, despite competitors like Samsung offering foldables for years. One assumed reason is that the technology has only recently gotten to a point of enabling an “Apple quality” foldable experience. A crease-free display is one example of that.
Digital Chat Station doesn’t seem concerned about the display design still being in flux. However, this report does lend further weight to recent commentary that the iPhone Fold may be in short supply at launch.
Apple may have more time yet to get the glass design finalized, but any delays could hinder production capacity further than analysts were already expecting.
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