Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone may have just cleared the biggest hurdle that’s held back every major foldable phone so far: the screen crease.
A new report claims Apple and its engineering teams have finally developed a crease-free folding display solution for the upcoming “iPhone Fold,” pushing the device beyond the experimental phase and into engineering validation and pre-production. If accurate, this would be a major milestone for Apple’s first foldable iPhone, and a key differentiator in a market where even the best foldables still show a visible crease under certain lighting and viewing angles.
The report also suggests production planning is moving forward quickly. Foxconn has reportedly set up a dedicated assembly line for the iPhone Fold, signaling that Apple is preparing the supply chain for a more serious ramp-up rather than a limited prototype run. Several component makers are expected to benefit from the launch as well, including Largan Precision, Shin Zu Shing, and Chi Hong.
So how is Apple allegedly solving the crease problem? The inner display is said to be sourced from Samsung, but the key improvement appears to come from the mechanical structure supporting the panel. The bearing system has reportedly been co-developed by Apple along with suppliers Shin Zu Shing and Amphenol. According to the report, once the bearing and display panel are integrated, the typical crease seen on other foldables won’t appear on the iPhone Fold.
Apple is also said to be investing heavily in hinge durability. The company is reportedly working on high-strength hinge components made using liquid metal, a material known for exceptional toughness and wear resistance—an appealing choice for a hinge that may be opened and closed thousands of times over a phone’s lifespan. Earlier challenges reportedly involved producing these parts at scale without pushing costs too high, but another cited update claims the hinge’s average selling price could land around $70 to $80.
Some elements still appear to be in flux. While previous rumors indicated the display size and assembly approach were already finalized, battery capacity was reportedly still undecided, and hinge development was ongoing. This latest update implies the hinge and crease solution are now far enough along to move the project into more advanced testing and pre-production work.
As for release timing, the report doesn’t provide a firm mass-production window. However, it suggests Apple may unveil the iPhone Fold alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup in 2026, aligning with a strategy where only “Pro” models are expected in that cycle.
If Apple truly delivers a crease-free foldable iPhone with a more durable liquid-metal hinge, it could reshape expectations for foldable smartphones—especially among buyers who’ve avoided foldables due to visible creases, long-term hinge concerns, or durability doubts. For now, all eyes will be on whether these engineering claims hold up as the iPhone Fold moves closer to mass production.
