A fresh leak from CES 2026 is fueling excitement around Samsung’s next big leap in foldable phones: a nearly crease-less folding display that could debut on the Galaxy Z Fold 8.
On the show floor, Samsung reportedly had a foldable prototype on display that looks almost identical to its current flagship Fold design at first glance. The key difference is exactly what foldable buyers have been waiting for—an inner screen that doesn’t show the familiar, obvious crease running down the middle. The display appears far smoother than today’s foldables, with only a very subtle line visible when light hits the screen at certain angles.
The setup allegedly showed two devices opened side by side. One appeared to match the look of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, while the other—placed under branding that referenced an “advanced” crease-less approach—looked like the same overall form factor but with the upgraded, reduced-crease screen. A short video shared online highlights the difference: instead of the typical mid-screen valley many foldables still have, the center area looks close to flat, suggesting Samsung may be nearing a major breakthrough in foldable OLED engineering.
If this technology is as real and ready as it appears, it could mark a turning point for foldable smartphones. The crease has long been one of the most visible reminders that foldables are still evolving. A smoother inner display not only improves the premium feel, but can also make reading, scrolling, video watching, and stylus use more enjoyable—especially for users who spend most of their time on the large inner screen.
Interestingly, this foldable display development may not be limited to Samsung’s own devices. Industry chatter has suggested Samsung is also working on foldable OLED tech intended for Apple’s first foldable iPhone. If that’s accurate, Apple’s first foldable could arrive with a similarly minimized crease—likely in a different size and aspect ratio, but built on comparable display fundamentals.
As for timing, Samsung’s next foldable launches are expected around July, consistent with the company’s usual summer schedule. Apple’s foldable, if it launches, could arrive later—potentially within 2026.
While Samsung hasn’t confirmed that the CES unit is the Galaxy Z Fold 8 (or revealed any official specifications), the appearance of a crease-less prototype in public is a strong hint that the next generation of foldables may finally deliver one of the biggest improvements people have been asking for: a folding screen that looks and feels far closer to a traditional slab phone when opened.
