The foldable smartphone market has been gaining serious momentum, and Samsung remains at the forefront. Their latest release, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, continues to dominate the category. In fact, Samsung expects to ship 40% more of these devices this year compared to last.
But the real surprise? Samsung may soon be building screens not just for itself, but for its biggest competitor.
A Foldable iPhone Could Be Closer Than You Think
According to reliable tech analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has tapped Samsung to supply the display for its upcoming foldable iPhone. That’s right—the two longtime rivals may now be partnering to bring Apple’s first foldable device to life.
This move suggests Apple is prioritizing quality over pride. Rather than reinvent the wheel, the company seems focused on launching a foldable iPhone that avoids one of the biggest drawbacks of current folding phones: the crease.
Apple Wants a Crease-Free Foldable Display
Apple’s rumored goal is to eliminate the visible crease that plagues nearly every foldable phone on the market—including Samsung’s own Galaxy Z Fold 7. Even though it just launched, the Fold 7 still features a slight crease in the center of the display.
If Apple really is aiming for a crease-free screen, and Samsung is involved in building it, this likely means the two companies are working on new display tech that hasn’t even been used in Samsung’s own phones yet.
The Tech Behind the Crease Solution
Why do foldable phones have a crease in the first place? It comes down to physics. The continuous folding and unfolding puts stress on the flexible display, creating a visible wrinkle over time.
To counter this, Apple’s reported solution involves adding a structural plate under the display. This plate helps prevent the screen from bending beyond its natural limits, reducing deformation and preserving a smooth appearance. According to Kuo, these crease-preventing plates will be supplied by a company called Fine M-Tec.
Why Apple Is Taking Its Time With a Foldable iPhone
Unlike Samsung and other competitors, Apple hasn’t rushed into the foldable phone market. But that delay could work in their favor. By taking the time to perfect a foldable iPhone, Apple may actually leapfrog the competition.
A foldable iPhone without a crease would instantly stand out and appeal to users who have been skeptical of folding displays. If Apple nails the design and performance from day one, the company could quickly become a major player in this next-gen phone category.
Final Thoughts
The idea of Samsung building the screen for a foldable iPhone might sound surprising, but it highlights how serious Apple is about getting it right. With demand growing and innovation heating up, the next few years could mark a huge shift in how we think about smartphones. And if a crease-free foldable iPhone hits the market, it might just change the game for good.
