Apple’s first foldable iPhone is closer than ever, and a new supply chain report says the company has finally achieved what every other foldable maker has failed to do. The iPhone Fold will feature a true crease free design. This has pushed the device out of the experimental phase and into engineering validation and pre production, marking its biggest step toward mass manufacturing so far.
The update comes from suppliers working directly with Apple on the folding display and hinge assembly. Foldables from Samsung, Huawei, OPPO, and vivo have struggled with permanent creases that form along the folding line over time. Apple has been unwilling to release its own foldable until this problem was solved. Now that the crease free design is reportedly complete, the company has moved forward with a dedicated production line inside Foxconn to prepare for the iPhone Fold’s 2026 launch window.
Apple’s design uses a folding inner display supplied by Samsung, but the panel structure, lamination method, and material processing are all created by Apple. The company also partnered with Shin Zu Shing and Amphenol to design a custom bearing that integrates with the panel in a way that prevents a visible crease from forming. This is expected to make the iPhone Fold the first foldable phone that avoids the common crease that appears after repeated bending.
The hinge system is a major part of the breakthrough. Apple has been developing high strength liquid metal hinge components that deliver greater durability and lower deformation than traditional hinge materials. Earlier reports suggested Apple struggled to mass produce these parts at a reasonable cost, but pricing has now stabilized. The hinge is expected to sell for around 70 to 80 dollars per unit, which indicates that the company has figured out a scalable manufacturing process.
The iPhone Fold is rumored to include a 7.8 inch inner display alongside a 5.5 inch external screen for quick interactions while the device is closed. This positions the device as a book style foldable similar to the Galaxy Z Fold, but with an emphasis on long term durability and a smooth, crease free fold. Apple has been testing the iPhone Fold for years, and the push into engineering validation suggests the hardware is nearly locked in.
Suppliers are also preparing for increased demand. Largan Precision, Shin Zu Shing, and Chi Hong are expected to benefit from the component ramp as Apple moves closer to mass production. Foldable phones have been available for seven years, but the display crease has remained the single biggest barrier to mainstream adoption. If Apple truly solved it, the iPhone Fold could enter the market with a clear advantage and a strong selling point next year.
The company is expected to reveal the iPhone Fold alongside the iPhone 18 series in 2026, with reports indicating that Apple will only release Pro models next year. This shift gives the foldable more space in the lineup and would mark one of Apple’s biggest hardware introductions in years.
(via United Daily News)
