Apple’s first foldable iPhone is inching closer to reality, and the display appears to be leading the way. According to a new rumor, Apple has reportedly finalized a “crease-less” screen designed to stand out in a crowded foldable market. Foxconn is said to have already set up an assembly line for this component, signaling real momentum on the hardware front. However, two critical pieces of the puzzle—the hinge and the battery—still aren’t fully ready for mass production.
On the display side, Apple is believed to be working with Samsung for both the main and cover OLED panels. Current prototype specs point to a 7.74-inch inner display and a 5.49-inch cover screen, though those numbers could change before final production. If the crease-minimizing design holds up, it could be a headline feature that differentiates the iPhone Fold from rival devices.
The hinge has been the most challenging component, according to multiple reports. Apple is said to be using a liquid metal material engineered to resist bending fatigue, an approach that has reportedly driven significant development costs. The good news is that Apple has allegedly brought the hinge cost down to roughly $70–$80 per unit. Even so, the company is reportedly cautious about greenlighting mass production for the hinge, suggesting continued validation and durability testing behind the scenes.
The battery is the other major holdout. While Apple has reportedly tested capacities in the 5,400mAh to 5,800mAh range—larger than what’s expected in the iPhone 17 Pro Max—a supplier has not yet been finalized. That delay may be tied to the complexity of the foldable form factor. With more moving parts and sustained mechanical stress from folding, even minor deviations in internal tolerances could increase the risk of battery damage. In a category where a high-profile foldable recently caught fire during a popular online stress test, Apple is clearly motivated to over-engineer for safety and longevity.
What’s reportedly ready
– Crease-reducing foldable OLED display finalized
– Foxconn assembly line arranged for the display
What’s still in flux
– Hinge approved in design and cost-reduced, but not yet greenlit for mass production
– Battery capacity tested in the 5,400–5,800mAh range, supplier not finalized
Taken together, these details suggest Apple is moving carefully toward a foldable iPhone, prioritizing durability and battery safety over speed to market. Until the hinge and battery clear Apple’s stringent quality thresholds, mass production likely remains on hold. Expect more updates as the supply chain firms up and prototype specs lock in.
Source: Momentary Digital (via Weibo)
