Apple and Samsung are said to be adopting laser-drilled plate tech for crease-free foldable displays, set for iPhone Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 8 in 2026, MacRumors reports.
According to supply chain analyst Ming‑Chi Kuo, Apple has enlisted Samsung Display and Fine M‑Tec to deliver this breakthrough feature. The same technology is expected to be adopted in Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8.
Foldable devices have traditionally suffered from noticeable creasing along the fold—a flaw visible in Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7. To eliminate this, Apple’s design includes a laser-drilled metal plate from Fine M‑Tec embedded within the display, which helps distribute bending stress and minimizes permanent deformation.
The foldable iPhone, widely expected to launch in the second half of 2026, is anticipated to feature a 7.8-inch inner display alongside a 5.5-inch exterior screen. Production reportedly will kick off in late 2025 at Samsung Display’s new dedicated facility, with Fine M‑Tec supplying $30–$35-per-unit metal plates capable of supporting up to 15 million annual panels.
Beyond solving the crease issue, the foldable iPhone is rumored to include premium materials and precise engineering. Sources indicate the exterior chassis will blend titanium and stainless steel, while hinges may feature liquid metal and laser-drilled microstructures to bolster durability and smoothness.
Rumors also suggest Apple will offer Touch ID via its side button, dual rear cameras, a seated front sensor for both inner and outer screens, and a surprisingly slim 4.5 mm thickness when unfolded.
Samsung isn’t far behind. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is expected to adopt the same laser-drilled metal plate technology for a virtually crease-free inner surface. While Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Fold 7 have shown incremental improvements, they still betray visible folds under certain conditions.
Samsung Display unveiled a creaseless prototype at MWC 2025, hinting that the next foldable generation could finally solve the long-standing crease problem once and for all.
Want to see more of our stories on Google?
P.S. Want to keep this site truly independent? Support us by buying us a beer, treating us to a coffee, or shopping through Amazon here. Links in this post are affiliate links, so we earn a tiny commission at no charge to you. Thanks for supporting independent Canadian media!
I'll believe it when I see it.